Why is immunization important

It is much safer to get the vaccine than an infectious disease. For more information on immunizations, including routine childhood immunizations, travel vaccinations and flu vaccinations, see our Immunizations Health Feature and the B. Immunization Schedules. For information about vaccine safety, visit ImmunizeBC. If your child was born in B. If you did not receive one, you can request one from your local health unit. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, speak to your health care provider or call to speak to a registered nurse anytime, every day of the year.

An overwhelming majority of health professionals, medical researchers, and professional medical organizations such as the Canadian Paediatric Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada recommend immunization. Getting immunized is important for at least two reasons: to protect yourself and to protect those around you. Vaccines are the best way we have to prevent infectious disease.

A successful immunization program depends on the co-operation of every person. Improved sanitation, hygiene, and other living conditions have created a generally healthier environment and reduced the risks for disease exposure and infection in Canada. But the dramatic and long-term decrease of diseases is primarily a result of widespread immunizations throughout the Canadian population.

Even though some diseases, such as polio , rarely affect people in Canada, all of the recommended childhood immunizations and booster vaccines are still needed. Many vaccines are given more than once, at different ages, and in combinations. Although your doctor's office will also keep track, people change doctors, records get lost, and the person ultimately responsible for keeping track of your child's immunizations is you. Ask your child's doctor for an immunization record form.

Think about your child's record as you would a birth certificate and keep it with your other essential documents. You can also download an easy-to-read immunization schedule and record form at the CDC website. Even though most parents and doctors do a good job of keeping up with immunizations, studies show that about one-fourth of preschool children are missing at least one routine vaccination.

Most states will not let your child start school without a complete immunization record. Sometimes a vaccination is missed when a child is sick. If your child has missed an immunization, you don't have to go back and start over for most vaccines. The previous immunizations are still good.

The National Immunisation Program Schedule recommends certain vaccinations at certain times. These vaccines are available free of charge for all Australian children.

Childhood immunisations are recommended at birth, two months can be given at six weeks , four months, six months, 12 months, 18 months and four years can be given at 3 years 6 months.

You can obtain the latest schedule information by talking to your immunisation provider, calling 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84 or visiting Immunisation. Some children eg. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children or children with medical risk factors may require additional vaccines. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or immunisation provider.

Students in Year 8 and Year 10 are also offered recommended vaccines through a school-based program. To offer the best protection, it is important for your child to be vaccinated at the recommended times rather than delaying or splitting vaccines.

Once these antibodies wear off, babies are at risk of serious infections and diseases. Babies are due for their first vaccinations before these antibodies disappear [1].

Vaccines are recommended for babies because their immune systems are not yet fully mature, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to multiply. Maintaining this high rate helps protect everyone.