1. Some infants need 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine. Ask your doctor. 2. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine is not necessary for children older than 5 years of age. 3. Rotavirus vaccine: 2 oral (by mouth) doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart and both doses must be given before 25 weeks of age. 4. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine: should be given on or after the first birthday. 5. Hepatitis B vaccine: 2 doses offered to all grade 7 students through school and community clinics. 6. Human Papillomavirus vaccine: 3 doses offered to all grade 8 girls through school and community clinics. 7. Adults, 19 to 64 years of age, who missed their diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough vaccine given between 14 to 16 years of age can get one dose as an adult to replace a diphtheria, tetanus vaccine that adults receive every 10 years. 8. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all individuals 6 months of age and older. * Immunization against these diseases is required for school.

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.

Adult Immunization Schedule