Guide to Baby Vaccinations in Ontario

Bobo Team • All you need to know • 3 min read • Reviewed by Dr. A. Kadhim-Saleh, Family Physician

The Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. They work by exposing your baby's immune system to weakened or inactive forms of viruses or bacteria, helping their body build defenses against these pathogens. By following the recommended vaccination schedule, you're not only safeguarding your child but also contributing to the overall health of your community.

Ontario's Infant and Pre-School Immunization Schedule

Here's a breakdown of the vaccines your child will receive and what they protect against:

2 Months (1st doses)

DTaP-IPV-Hib: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b1.
VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine): Protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria.
Rot-1: Guards against rotavirus.

4 Months (2nd doses)

DTaP-IPV-Hib: 2nd dose.
VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine): 2nd dose.
Rot-1: 2nd dose.

6 Months (3rd doses)

DTaP-IPV-Hib: 3rd dose.

12 Months

MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Men-C-C: Protects against meningococcal C bacteria.
VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine): 3rd dose.

15 Months

Var: Protects against varicella (chickenpox).

18 Months

DTaP-IPV-Hib: 4th dose as a booster.

4-6 Years

Tdap-IPV: A booster shot to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio.
MMRV: Boosts protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.

Influenza Vaccine: Annual Protection

The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended annually for all Ontarians 6 months of age and older.

Why Timing Matters

The vaccination schedule is carefully designed to provide protection when your child needs it most. Following this schedule ensures that your baby develops immunity before being exposed to these potentially dangerous diseases.

What to Expect After Vaccination

It's common for children to experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as fussiness, low-grade fever, or soreness at the injection site. These typically last only a few days and are signs that your child's immune system is working to build protection.

Keeping Track

Maintain a personal vaccination record for your child and bring it to every appointment. This helps ensure your little one stays up-to-date with their vaccinations.

Remember, vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect your child from serious diseases. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They are there to support you in making informed decisions about your child's health.

By following Saskatchewan's immunization schedule, you're giving your child the best possible start in life and protecting them against preventable diseases. Here's to a healthy and happy future for your little one!

Helpful tip: Ask your doctor for the Yellow Vaccination Card.

Sources

Ontario Ministry of Health. (2024). Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/files/2024-01/moh-publicly-funded-immunization-schedule-en-2024-01-23.pdf
KFL&A Public Health. (n.d.). Immunization schedule by age. Retrieved from https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/immunization-schedule-by-age.aspx
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. (2023). Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/docs/default-source/topic-immunization/final_quick-reference-new-sched_aug2021_ispa.pdf
Public Health Ontario. (2023). Summary Immunization Recommendations for Children Previously Immunized with Oral Poliovirus Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/R/2023/recommendations-child-prev-immunized-oral-poliovirus-vaccine.pdf

Articles have been medically reviewed by a Canadian Family Physician. This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.

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