Immunizations for Children
Vaccinate Early in Life
In the first few years of life, your child is most at risk of getting sick from a vaccine preventable disease. Immunization is a safe and effective way to protect your child from these diseases. Routine immunizations in Ontario begin at two months of age and continue throughout life.
All routine childhood immunizations are free and can be given by your child’s Health Care Provider. If you do not have a Health Care Provider, your child can be immunized at one of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit immunization clinics.
Be sure to bring your child’s immunization card to every appointment. Your Health Care Provider will update this record as necessary.
Keep your child’s immunization record (yellow card) in a safe place! It may be needed for:
- Entering childcare
- Entering kindergarten
- Changing schools
- Attending camp
- International Travel
- Hospital Emergency Room visits
- Changing Health Care Providers
There are online apps that can help you keep track
Adverse Reactions
What is an adverse reaction?
- It is common for there to be redness and swelling at the site where an immunization is given. This is not an adverse reaction, these are normal side effects.
- Some vaccines may cause irritability, slight fever and headache. This is not considered to be an adverse reaction; it is a sign that the body is producing an immune response.
- An adverse reaction is when someone experiences symptoms after an immunization resulting in medical follow-up. Adverse reactions are not common but may be caused by an allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine.