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Topics:
- What is immunization or vaccination?
- Why is immunization important?
- How does immunization work?
- Why is immunization vital to your child's health?
- What can I expect when I come for immunizations?
- How often should my child be immunized?
- Does immunization casue side effects?
- Should I keep a record of my child's immunizations?
- Is there a cost for immunization?
- Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
- What is Thimerosal and does it cause autism?
- How long does immunity last after getting a vaccine?
- Why do we immunize when these diseases are not common in Canada?
- If my child misses a few immunizations, can they get caught up?
- Are vaccines tested and monitored for safety?
- What can I do to prepare my infant/child for immunization?
- How should I manage a fever after immunization?
1. What is immunization or vaccination?
Immunization and vaccination generally mean the same thing. It is a way of providing protection against diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. A vaccine is a substance that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease without getting the actual disease. Immunization helps to build immunity against communicable diseases that your body has trouble fighting on its own.
2. Why is immunization important?
Immunization helps prevent serious diseases and the outcomes of diseases. Outcomes may be small, such as scars from varicella (chicken pox), or severe, such as brain damage or death from meningitis.
3. How does immunization work?
Immunizations contain tiny amounts of the bacteria or viruses that make your immune system produce certain proteins called "antibodies". Antibodies can attack and destroy viruses and bacteria. Your immune system remembers how to make these antibodies. Later, when your body is exposed to that same bacteria or virus, it "remembers" how to make these antibodies. Your body then makes antibodies again and stops the virus or bacteria from making you sick.
4. Why is immunization vital to your child's health?
Immunization is a safe, reliable and effective method of protecting your child from common communicable diseases. Your child relies on you to protect them from 13 diseases.
5. What can I expect when I come for immunizations?
Children under 2 years can expect height and weight measurement, and developmental screening at each clinic visit.
6. How often should my child be immunized?
Children should have 5 immunization visits before the age of 2. These visits are due at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months of age.
7. Does immunization cause side effects?
Harmful side effects after immunization are rare. Your child may have a bit of redness at the injection site or be a little irritable.
8. Should I keep a record of my child's immunizations?
Yes. Keep your child’s immunization record in a safe place and bring it with you to each public health visit.
9. Is there a cost for immunization?
Routine childhood and school age immunizations in Saskatchewan are free. If you plan to travel or require immunization for work reasons, there may be a charge.
10. Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No. Autism is a developmental disorder which is often diagnosed around the first birthday, about the time when childhood vaccines like MMR are given. In 1998, there was a small British study that described a link between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism. This study showed many defects and has been removed by the journal that published it. There have been many well done scientific studies since then that show no link between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism.
11. What is Thimerosal and does it cause autism?
Thimerosal is a preservative used in multidose vials of some vaccines to prevent the growth of germs inside the vial. Thimerosal contains a type of mercury called ethyl mercury which the body can get rid of easily. There is no scientific evidence that thimerosal causes developmental disorders such as autism. In Canada, thimerosal is present in multidose vials of influenza and Hepatitis B vaccine. Childhood immunizations in Canada do not contain thimerosal.
12. How long does immunity last after getting a vaccine?
Each vaccine is a bit different from another. Some vaccines require several doses while others only need to be given once.
For an infant receiving their first few immunizations, immunity can decrease after a short period of time. For this reason, it is important to provide all immunizations to your child on time. This way, your child will always be protected.
For older children and adults, immunity generally lasts longer, but it is important to have all immunizations on time so you are not left unprotected.
13. Why do we immunize when these diseases are not common in Canada?
These diseases are not common in Canada because of immunization. If we stop immunizing, the diseases we are protecting against will return. There have been outbreaks of disease in countries where immunization rates have fallen, and people have become very ill or died as a result.
14. If my child misses a few immunizations, can they get caught up?
Yes. Immunization schedules can continue after a missed dose. In most cases, the vaccine does not need to be repeated. A public health nurse can help get your child’s immunizations up to date.
15. Are vaccines tested and monitored for safety?
Yes. Health Canada has very strict regulations and is responsible for the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines for human use. There are many steps involved before a vaccine can be licensed for use in Canada. Once a vaccine is approved for use, there is constant monitoring and follow up.
16. What can I do to prepare my infant/child for immunization?
The best thing a parent can do to prepare their child for immunization is to stay calm and have a positive attitude. There is no need to provide acetaminophen to your child prior to immunization. This can be given afterward if necessary. For older children, explain that immunization is needed to keep them healthy. Maybe plan a reward for bravery after the immunizations are complete.
17. How should I manage a fever after immunization?
A high fever after immunization is rare. To determine if your child has a fever, use a digital thermometer – do not guess. A fever is a temperature over 37.5°C.
A fever under 39°C can be cared for at home by:
- giving plenty of fluids,
- dressing your child lightly,
- giving the right dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). See package for details.
If the fever does not come down from the above methods or is above 39°C, see your family doctor, or visit a mediclinic or emergency department.
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(updated April 15, 2010)
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