Parenting in KFL&A
Adult and baby looking at doctor.
Welcome to a special issue on immunizations!
Immunizations (also known as vaccinations) are the best way to protect you and your family from serious illnesses. Immunizations have saved the lives of more children in Canada than any other type of health intervention.
Last chance for the hearing screen!
Hearing screening is only offered to newborns up to 8 weeks old. Call us if your infant has missed the screening: 613-549-1232, ext. 1145.
Smiling adult holding baby.
Immunizations at 2 months
Your child will receive their first immunizations at 2 months of age. You can receive these from your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, please book an appointment at the KFL&A Public Health’s immunization clinic.
It is normal to have questions about immunizing your child. Here are some facts:
  • Immunizations stimulate and strengthen your child’s immune system. They teach the immune system to defend against disease.
  • The risks of the diseases are greater than the risk of reactions to immunizations.
  • Immunizations are not linked to chronic diseases.
  • Receiving more than one immunization at a time does not overwhelm your child’s immune system or increase the risk of a reaction.
The Pediacel immunization given at 2 months protects your child against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). Your child will also receive a dose of the immunizations that protect against pneumococcal disease and rotavirus.
Learn about these 5 diseases
Your child will receive two injections in the thigh, and one oral vaccine which your child will drink.

Important note: Please report your child's immunizations to KFL&A Public Health. Health care providers do not report immunizations.
Report immunizations
Baby breastfeeding while getting a needle.
Comforting your baby during an immunization
  • Breastfeed your baby or offer expressed breastmilk or formula. Research shows this helps babies feel less discomfort.
  • Hold baby close to your body, facing you, using skin-to-skin contact.
  • Be calm and use a soothing voice. You might be nervous but remember that you are protecting your baby and keeping them healthy.
Sucrose solution (sugar water)
  • For babies who are not fed before or during injections, a sucrose solution can be given 1 to 2 minutes before injections to reduce discomfort.
  • A pre-mixed sucrose solution is available with a prescription from your health care provider.
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin)
  • Not recommended before injections. Given before the injection these medications may stop the vaccination from working.
  • May be recommended to you by your health care provider after your child receives their injection (e.g., if the child develops a fever).
More comforting tips
Nurse putting bandaid on an adult's upper arm.
Immunizations for grown ups
Immunizations are not just for kids! Receiving regular immunizations protects you and everyone around you. Ask your health care provider to see if you are missing any immunizations. If you do not have a health care provider, call the KFL&A Public Health Immunization Line at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875.
Book an appointment
Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you have any questions about immunizations. Looking forward to sharing more information with you in a couple of weeks when your little one is 2 months old.
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
kflaph.ca

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