Routine newborn visits and Vaccines:
First visits at One week old, Two weeks old, One month old.
No vaccines at these firs visits. Assess for general physical health, growth and support.
At 2 Months:
- DTaP-IPV-Hib Vaccine: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Pneu-C-13): Protects against pneumococcal infections.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Oral vaccine to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis.
At 4 Months:
- DTaP-IPV-Hib Vaccine: Second dose.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Pneu-C-13): Second dose.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Second dose.
At 6 Months:
- DTaP-IPV-Hib Vaccine: Third dose.
At 12 Months:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: First dose.
- Meningococcal Conjugate C (Men-C-C) Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal disease.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Pneu-C-13): Third dose.
At 15 Months:
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: First dose.
At 18 Months:
- DTaP-IPV-Hib Vaccine: Booster dose.
Between 4 and 6 Years:
- MMR-V Vaccine: Second dose, combining protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
- Tdap-IPV Vaccine: Booster dose for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio.
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations: Ontario recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible children:
- 6 months to 4 years: A two-dose series of a pediatric mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is available, spaced 8 weeks apart.
- 5 years and older: Children are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster targeting current strains. The timing and frequency of boosters will depend on the child’s last vaccination and any specific health conditions.
Consult with your healthcare provider for the most current recommendations and eligibility based on age and health status.
Optional Vaccines:
- Influenza Vaccine: Recommended annually for children aged 6 months and older, especially those with certain health conditions.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: Considered for children at higher risk or traveling to areas where hepatitis A is common.
- Meningococcal B Vaccine: Recommended for children at higher risk due to specific medical conditions.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization: Palivizumab may be advised for infants born prematurely or with particular health conditions.
Live Vaccines in the Schedule: Live vaccines in the routine schedule include the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), and Rotavirus vaccines. These vaccines are generally not recommended for children with weakened immune systems or specific medical conditions, so it is essential to consult with your provider to determine eligibility.
Common Side Effects and Contraindications: Vaccines may cause mild side effects such as soreness, redness at the injection site, mild fever, or fussiness, typically resolving within a few days. Live vaccines are usually contraindicated for immunocompromised children and those with specific allergies. Inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies, medical conditions, or previous vaccine reactions to ensure safe administration.
Immunize Canada: