Vaccine Schedules and the Importance of Immunization
While highly communicable diseases like Measles were almost eliminated in the past twenty years they seem to be making a come back. With measles coming back with recent exposures in the GTA over the past month it’s important to have all the facts. We at Kinder Buddies Child Care take child safety very seriously, which can go hand in hand with vaccinations. Today we will discuss common diseases that have vaccines and vaccination schedules.
How to Vaccines work?
Vaccines can be quite scientific so we pulled this direct quote from the Canadian Public Health page on vaccination.
The dead or weakened germs in vaccines help your child’s immune system to make two important tools: antibodies and immune memory. Together, these tools will help your child recognize and fight off the germs if exposed to them in the future.
Most children are fully protected after they are vaccinated. This means that they will never get serious vaccine-preventable diseases.
In rare cases, children who are vaccinated can still get the disease because they only get partial protection from the vaccine. This is more common in children with a health problem that affects their immune system. They may develop mild symptoms if they are exposed to a disease, but will not suffer serious complications.
It’s just like… seatbelts are not 100% effective at protecting you while driving, but they significantly reduce your risk of being injured.
How do Immunizations protect the community?
It’s important to recognise that not every one can actually receive vaccines. There are people who have weak immune systems or may be too ill to receive vaccines. Some vaccines like the one that prevents Measles is not given until 12 month of age; this means babies up to 12 months are at risk of contracting measles. There is also a small percentage of people who will be vaccinated and still catch the disease.
When it comes to Herd Immunity as long as everyone who can receive the vaccine it prevents the disease from spreading at larger rates and protects not only those with vaccines, but those who cannot be vaccinated.
Why Vaccinate?
The main reason to keep up to date with vaccinations is to avoid diseases that can have permanent complications or even death. Vaccines are created to combat diseases that are highly contagious and dangerous. Here is a list of the common Vaccines:
Diptheria/Tetanus/Petussis/Polio/Hib
Four treatments at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 18 months
Complications from these diseases can include: death, brain damage, nerve damage, permanent hearing loss.
Pneumococcal Conjugate
Three treatments at 2 months, 4 months, 12 months
Complications from Pneumococcal can include: permanent hearing loss, brain damage, septicaemia, meningitis, death
Rotavirus Monovalent
Two treatments at 2 months and 4 months
Complications from Rotavirus can include: severe dehydration, death
Influenza
One treatment at 6 months recommended every fall
Complications from the flu can include: pneumonia, bronchitis, death
Measles/Mumps/Rubella
Two treatments at 12 months and 4-6 years
Complications from these diseases can include: seizures, brain damage, infertility, meningitis, permanent hearing loss, death.
Rubella can be dangerous for pregnant women with a possibility of causing birth defects or miscarriage.
Varicella
Two treatments at 15 months and 4-6 years
Complications from Varicella can include: bone and joint deformity, brain damage
Where can I have my Child Vaccinated?
In the Halton region you can have your child vaccinated by a local general practitioner or your family doctor. Some schools may provide vaccination days for older children such as the HPV vaccine.
Many schools and daycares require up to date vaccines. It is important to keep track of vaccines and keep track of documentation for your child.
Further Reading on Vaccines
It is important to keep your child up to date on vaccines and have it recorded with the Halton Region Health Department. For more information on vaccines please view the pdfs and links below.
Canada’s Public Health Guide to Vaccines
Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.
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