Manitoba Health
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Immunization (Vaccination)
What are vaccines?
Vaccines are also called needles, shots or immunizations. Vaccines help the immune system learn how to recognize and fight the germs that cause diseases.
Why are vaccines important?
Vaccines help protect kids and adults against serious diseases and are known to be very safe. Because of vaccines, not many Manitobans and Canadians get sick or die from vaccine-preventable diseases. Sometimes vaccines may cause minor side effects but these are usually mild (such as sore arm or leg, headache, feeling tired) and usually last only a few days. The diseases and their complications are far more serious than the possible side effects of the vaccines.
BE WISE – IMMUNIZE!
Are you and your child protected?
Manitoba Health recommends that infants, children and adults get immunized against diseases such as:
- diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus (lock jaw), polio, haemophilus influenzae type b
- measles, mumps and rubella (German measles)
- pneumococcal infections
- influenza (the flu)
- meningitis
- varicella (chickenpox)
- hepatitis B and
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
These vaccines are important because they can protect against these serious diseases.
Click here for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Infants
Click here for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children
Click here for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults
Are vaccines completely safe and effective?
Vaccines have been shown to be very safe. Like any other medicine, side effects can occur. No vaccine is 100% effective but they all can protect from disease(s) and serious disease complications. Remember, talk to your doctor or public health nurse about any concerns you have about vaccines.
How many doses are required?
The number of doses depends on the age when immunization is started, the type of vaccine and the risk of being exposed to the disease(s) the vaccine protects against. It also depends on the reason for the immunization (ex: preschool boosters at four to six years of age). Some vaccines can be given in one needle while others may need to be given in a series of needles.
How are the vaccines given?
Vaccines are usually given in the muscle of the thigh in infants or the upper arm for older children and adults. Some vaccines are given just below the skin rather than into a muscle.
What are the possible side effects of vaccines?
Vaccines may cause side effects that may last for a couple of days. These include redness, swelling and soreness where the needle was given; headache, chills, fever up to 38ºC, drowsiness (being sleepy), fussiness (being cranky), upset stomach and vomiting (especially for young children). Bad or severe side effects should be reported to your doctor or public health nurse.
Vaccine reactions are recorded and monitored in Manitoba and across Canada. That is how we know the side effects from these vaccines are mostly minor. Vaccines offer life-saving protection against many kinds of serious diseases. The benefits of vaccines are far greater than any possible danger or discomfort from side effects.
Who should not receive vaccines?
There are very few individuals who cannot receive vaccines. A doctor or public health nurse may decide not to give the vaccine. Each situation will be assessed and a decision will be made either to offer the vaccine at the time of the clinic visit, or at a later date.
Do we have to get immunized?
No, immunizations are voluntary in Manitoba. But please remember that vaccines help protect you and your child from disease (s) and also help protect others who cannot be immunized because they have certain health conditions. If you want to know more about immunization and why it is important, talk to your doctor or public health nurse.
For more information: |
788-8200 toll-free - in Winnipeg |
