Baby vaccination
When a person gets sick from a germ, their body reacts by naturally producing antibodies to get rid of it. This is the immune system. It fights against the thousands of germs present on objects and in food, water, and air.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system. They help your child make their own antibodies against certain diseases without catching the disease themselves.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways of protecting your children’s health. It prevents a number of serious illnesses.
All children should receive the recommended vaccines, even healthy children with a good diet. Even though breastfeeding helps defend against infections in general, breastfed children also need to be vaccinated to be protected from the diseases targeted by vaccination.
Vaccines are not only effective, they are very safe. If you have any questions about vaccination, feel free to talk to a health professional or visit the following website: Quebec.ca/vaccination.
If you'd like to find out more, you can also consult Immunization Canada for explanations about vaccines, questions and answers, resources, vaccination schedules, etc.
For some tips and tricks, consult the “Reducing the Pain and Anxiety of Vaccination in Children” page of the following website: Quebec.ca/vaccination.
Where should you get your child vaccinated?
You can get your child vaccinated for free. You can make an appointment online via Quebec.ca/vaccination or through your CLSC.
When should you get your child vaccinated?
By having your child vaccinated at the recommended age in the vaccination schedule, you are providing them with the best possible protection. The vaccination schedule also applies to premature babies.
Recommended vaccination schedule
The following chart shows the recommended vaccination schedule for children up to two years of age. For more information, visit the “Recommended immunization schedule” section of the following website: Quebec.ca/vaccination.
Under certain circumstances, vaccines, such as the one against measles, may be administered before the recommended age. For example, if you are traveling with your baby to a country where measles is circulating, the measles vaccine could be given to them as early as 6 months of age. Other vaccines may also be recommended depending on the destination. Talk to a travel health professional.
| Child's age | Vaccines or preventive treatments |
|---|---|
| Birth (in fall and winter) |
|
| 2 months |
|
| 4 months** |
|
| 12 months*** |
|
| 18 months |
|
* Under certain circumstances (e.g., Overseas travel) vaccines may be administered before the recommended age.
** It may be recommended for some children to receive additional doses of vaccine at 6 months of age.
*** It is recommended that your child receive these three vaccines on their first birthday or as soon as possible after this day.
Your child may be given several vaccines for different diseases during the same visit. Administering multiple vaccines in a single visit is recommended because it will protect your child more quickly against infections. This method will not increase the frequency or severity of undesirable side effects to vaccines. It will also reduce the number of vaccination appointments.
Your child will require several doses of certain vaccines in order to produce enough antibodies to fight the disease.
Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures the best protection when your child needs it most.
Possible reactions to vaccines
Serious allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If such a reaction occurs, it will start within minutes after the vaccination. That’s why you are advised to stay at the vaccination clinic for at least 15 minutes after your child has received the vaccine. If your child has a reaction, they will be treated immediately on site.
Vaccines are very safe. Most of the time they cause no undesirable reactions. Sometimes they can cause short‑lived reactions that are not serious, such as a mild fever, redness, or discomfort at the site of the injection.
To reduce redness and discomfort, apply a cold water compress. A small bump may appear, but it’s not dangerous and will disappear within a few weeks.
If your child seems to feel unwell or has a fever after receiving a vaccine, follow the advice you were given at the time of vaccination. In the case of the vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox [MMR-Var], children can come down with a fever 5 to 12 days after the vaccination.
If your child cries abnormally or if you’re worried about them, talk to a health professional or call Info‑Santé (8-1-1).
Today’s vaccines are very well tolerated. It is not suggested that the child be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the injection.
Contraindications
There are few cases in which a child cannot be vaccinated. A cold, an ear infection, a runny nose, or the fact that they’re taking antibiotics are not reasons to put off a vaccination.
If your child is ill to the point of being feverish or irritable or crying abnormally, discuss the situation with the health professional.
Vaccination record
Bring the vaccination record to each checkup, whether it’s for a vaccination or not. Some parents like to always keep it handy—in the diaper bag, for example.
This important document is a record of your child’s vaccinations. You must bring it with you to the vaccination appointment. The health professional who vaccinates them will record the dose and date in it.
It’s also worth bringing it along to your child’s medical checkups. It may be used to record the child’s growth (weight and height), as well as other information related to vaccination and your child’s health.
Keep it safe, because it will be useful to your child all their life.