* Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) must be given after the first birthday. 1 Pneumococcal vaccine is available for infants up to 2 years of age born on or after January 1, 2004. 2 Meningococcal vaccine is available for 1 year old or 12 year old children (grade 7) or 15 to 19 year old youth. 3 Chickenpox vaccine is available for 1 year old children or 5 year olds who have not had chickenpox. 4 Hepatitis B vaccine is offered to students in grade 7 at school immunization clinics. 5 Influenza (flu) vaccine is available for all Ontario residents aged 6 months and older. + The pneumococcal booster and the chickenpox vaccine can be given as early as 12 months of age.

Every time your child gets a shot, remember to call Toronto Public Health Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.

What is immunization?
Immunization means vaccination or "needle shots". When children are immunized, they receive an injection that will protect them from serious childhood diseases.

How does it work?
Vaccines trigger your child's immune system to produce antibodies to fight diseases. For immunization to work best, children should have all their vaccinations on schedule.

Is it safe?
Immunization is very safe. A very thorough health protection process is in place to ensure the safety of all vaccines. Once a vaccine is in use, its safety is continually monitored.

Are there any side effects?
For most people, there are no side effects from immunization. However, some people may experience mild pain, swelling and/or redness where the shot was given. Talk to your doctor about how reactions can be prevented or minimized. Serious side effects are rare. For more information ask your doctor, or call the Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.

Where to get immunized?
Call your doctor to make an appointment. If you or your child don't have a health card, call the Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.

When to get your child immunized:
The Immunization Schedule chart on the back of this flyer shows when children can get the shots that are paid for by the government. If your child was not immunized in infancy, talk to your doctor about a recommended catch-up schedule.

Keep an Immunization Record. It's important!
Get a yellow Immunization Record from your doctor to keep track of the shots. This will prevent receiving unnecessary shots. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to give this immunization information about their school-aged children to Toronto Public Health. Your doctor's office does not update Toronto Public Health about your child's immunizations.

Immunization Records are needed when: Starting day nursery or kindergarten Transferring to a school in another area Going to camp Enrolling in certain health-related college/university programs or working in a health-related field Going for emergency health care Travelling to other countries

Get this Immunization Record from your doctor.

Children Immunization Brochure (PDF file size 276KB)

Adult Immunization Schedule