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. Infants and young children are especially susceptible to vaccine preventable diseases because their immune systems are less mature and less able to fight infection. 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 Kids Inclusive if you don’t have an appointment: 613-544-3400, ext. 3175. |
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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, you can book an appointment at 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.
You will be offered three vaccines at your 2 month visit. The first vaccine is the Pediacel immunization which protects your child against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) that is given by an injection into the muscle. Your child will also receive an immunization that protects against thirteen types of the pneumococcal virus and an oral liquid vaccine for rotavirus. |
Your child will receive two injections in the thigh (one in each 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. |
Comforting your baby during an immunization
- Feed your baby during immunization. Research shows that sucking 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 or receiving the rotavirus vaccine, a sucrose solution can be given 1 to 2 minutes before injections to reduce discomfort.
- You can make this sucrose solution at home and give it to your child 1 to 2 minutes before immunization.
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).
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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. |
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
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