Vaccinations can help to prevent disease, both individually and amongst groups of people. Since the introduction of vaccination programs, diseases such as polio and small pox have become rare.
Available information that is based in theory and not evidence has led to a significant amount of unwarranted worry about vaccine safety among parents. This theory-based information is not based on facts or credible research evidence. This type of information has led to myths surrounding the risk of immunizations. As a result, some parents are hesitant to immunize their children, delay vaccinations, or refuse vaccinations.
The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute encourages parents to use evidence-based information to learn about vaccine safety and effectiveness. Evidence-based information is supported by conclusive research data. Healthcare professionals make decisions and recommendations based on valid evidence-based information that has been repeatedly tested by researchers with expertise in the field. Evidence does not support any link between vaccines and outcomes such as autism, multiple sclerosis, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Parents can receive evidence-based information from healthcare providers (e.g. family doctors and nurses) and reputable websites such as:
All parents want the best for their children. Getting vaccinated against diseases not only protects the child, but also prevents diseases from spreading. Therefore, vaccinations protect the child, their family, and the community.
Before pregnancy: In order to provide protection to the pregnant person and the future baby, it is important to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, available through local public health offices.
During pregnancy: Receiving Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough)], influenza, and COVID vaccines during pregnancy creates antibodies in body. These antibodies help protect the pregnant person and the baby (for the first few months of life) from these diseases. Pregnant people and those planning to get pregnant within one month of vaccination should not get live attenuated vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. For more information about vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding, click here.
After pregnancy: During pregnancy, certain vaccines are given to reduce the risk of the baby acquiring diseases during and after birth. The pregnant person’s immunity is also passed on to the baby, but this goes away or decreases during the first few weeks of the baby’s life. Therefore, staying up to date on all routine vaccinations after the baby is born is important for continuing to help prevent the baby from getting a vaccine-preventable disease.
Vaccines are offered through public health offices and are free of charge. Some vaccines are repeated to make sure enough antibodies are developed to fight against the diseases.
Vaccine schedules ensure that children receive vaccines at certain ages and time intervals. Following the schedule is important to get full protection from these diseases.
For information about Saskatchewan’s Immunization Schedule for children, click here.
For a personalized vaccine schedule based on province, age, and grade, visit the Government of Canada-Vaccine Schedule. Vaccinations can be recorded using the CANImmunize app. This app will also provide reminders about when the next vaccination is due.
Some children experience mild reactions to vaccines. They might have a sore arm and/or a fever that goes away in few days. It is recommended to treat the pain and fever, if they develop, using acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Young children should not be given ASA (acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin) as it can increase their risk of Reye’s syndrome. This syndrome can cause liver and brain damage.
In extremely rare cases, a vaccine might cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which includes swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; hives; and difficulty breathing. If this reaction occurs, call 911 or seek medical attention right away.
If there are any questions or concerns about the side effects after a vaccination, contact a local public health office, physician, nurse practitioner, or call Healthline 811.
Vaccines are one of the safest and most successful medical interventions, leading to the elimination and control of many infectious diseases that might have otherwise caused serious and life-threatening illnesses and deaths. To learn more about vaccines in Canada, visit Immunize Canada.