Introduction
An immunization helps the body defend itself against an infectious disease. It can also reduce the chances of a disease spreading and prevent epidemics.
Generally, an injection (also called a vaccination) involves introducing a very small amount of the organism or virus into the body. This will not be enough to make you catch the disease, but it will trigger your immune system to start producing antibodies that can identify and destroy the organism or virus if you're ever exposed to it. Vaccines don't guarantee you won't get the disease, but if you do, it will be less severe. They generally have few side effects and even fewer serious ones.
Factors to Consider
Most immunizations are given as injections in childhood. They protect children from serious and life-threatening illnesses and may be required to enter school or daycare. Some immunizations require only one injection; others require a number of doses over certain periods of time.
Consult your doctor regarding what vaccinations your child should have. They may recommend additional vaccinations if your child is susceptible to certain health problems. Generally, children should receive immunization against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (also known as whooping cough)
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease or Hib disease
- Meningococcal disease
- Pneumococcal disease
- Flu (influenza)
A careful schedule of immunizations begins at birth and continues for the baby's first 23 months. Ensure you maintain accurate records, including any side effects or reactions to a given vaccination. Booster shots, which are additional vaccinations of a given organism or virus, are typically administered between the ages of four and six. After six, children usually require fewer vaccinations.
Consult your doctor if you and/or your child will be living with a group of other people, such as at a camp or dormitory. Vaccinations for illnesses such as the flu or meningitis may be advisable.
Vaccinations recommended for adults depend on several factors, including sex, age, lifestyle, job, travel plans, overall health and childhood vaccinations. Consult your doctor as to which conditions you may require immunization against, including:
- Chickenpox
- Flu
- Hepatitis A and/or B
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Pneumococcal disease
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
Special vaccines may also be needed by some children and adults, particularly those who travel to countries where certain serious illnesses have not been eradicated. Consult your doctor at least six months prior to making such a trip.
Pregnant women also need to check with their doctor about their immunization history and possible vaccines they should take to protect their unborn children. If you live with a woman who is pregnant, make sure your immunizations are up to date, as well.
Side Effects
Any side effects from a vaccine are usually mild, such as a slight fever and redness, mild swelling, or soreness around the injection site. Your doctor will review these with you and explain any reactions you might expect to see.
Babies may experience drowsiness, crankiness, or poor appetite.
Chickenpox or measles-mumps-rubella shots can result in a mild rash, lasting one to two weeks. Temporary joint pain may also occur after a measles-mumps-rubella shot.
Severe reactions are highly unusual. They could include fever over 40.5°C (104.5°F) or difficulty breathing. If you or your child has such a reaction, consult your doctor as soon as possible or call 911 depending on the severity of your symptoms.
There has been some speculation that the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella may cause autism. Several studies have looked at this possibility, and no connection has been found. It's important to bear in mind that the dangers of infectious diseases far outweigh any risks associated with vaccination.
What You Can Do
Make sure your child is comfortable and well-rested before they receive an immunization. If your child is fretful, drowsy and/or has a poor appetite after getting their shot, engage in quiet activities at home. Physically comfort them with hugging and holding. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable and not too warm.
If the area around the injection site reddens or grows swollen, apply ice for 10-20 minutes.
Your child may develop a mild skin rash within a week to two weeks after the vaccination for chicken pox or measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). These rashes generally dissipate without requiring medication or treatment.
In rare cases, some people experience an allergic reaction to an immunization. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, has a seizure, or displays any other unusual symptoms, call 911.
What You Can Take
If your child develops a fever after a vaccination, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) can help, especially if the fever is very high (39�C or higher). Consult your doctor before giving ibuprofen to a baby three months of age or younger. You can give acetaminophen to a baby who is three months of age or younger, but be cautious. It's better to check with your doctor first if you're not sure the fever is related to the immunizations. Never give your child acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), better known as aspirin, without consulting your doctor. Taking ASA for the flu or chickenpox has been linked to Reye's syndrome in children and young adults under 20.
Further Resources
Contact the Public Health Agency of Canada at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/index-eng.php or the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Protection at www.immunize.cpha.ca/en/default.aspx.
