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Report your child’s vaccines to Ottawa Public Health

By Kathy Selst, Public Health Nurse, Ottawa Public Health Immunization program August 27, 2015

With back to school right around this corner, it’s time to make sure that your kids are all set for their big day. Part of this includes making sure that their vaccines are all up to date and reported to Ottawa Public Health.

Vaccines are important for healthy growth and development. Think of immunization the same way you would healthy eating, physical activity, or proper sleep.

Vaccines are a proven and safe way to prevent serious infections. Although we rarely see most of these diseases in Ontario, they still exist. We have seen several outbreaks in the past year which show us how easily these diseases can reappear. Recent outbreaks of measles across North America have been traced back to travelers to California (Disneyland). Many people were exposed to measles while there and spread it to others when they returned home. All of those who got sick had not been vaccinated as recommended.

If we stop vaccinating children, it is possible that the diseases, for which we vaccinate against, will return. Most of these diseases are now rare in Ontario because so many people have been immunized.

Where can I get my child vaccinated?

The Ontario government provides all routine vaccines without charge to residents of Ontario. Doctors, nurse practitioners and walk-in clinics in the community can provide these vaccines.

Vaccines are required by law for students in Ontario

Ontario laws require proof of vaccination for children who attend licensed child care, nursery schools and all public and private schools in the province. As a parent, you will be asked to provide a copy of your child’s immunization record when you register your child for school or child care. Children who are not immunized must have a legal exemption. The Immunization of School Pupils Act changed in 2014 and now additional vaccines are required for school. Find out more about which vaccines your child needs at: ParentinginOttawa.com/immunization

Reporting your child’s vaccines

Each time your child gets a vaccine, even at the doctor’s office, you will need to report this information to Ottawa Public Health. Doctor’s offices and clinics do not routinely send this information to Ottawa Public Health.

To update a record with Ottawa Public Health go online at ParentinginOttawa.com/immunization or you may call 613-580-6744.

Review of children’s immunization records

Nurses from Ottawa Public Health regularly review and assess immunization records of children who attend child care facilities and schools. They will contact the parents of children who have incomplete records, by mail or by phone. In some cases, a child’s doctor may have already given the immunization, but the information has not been updated in the public health database.

These records are needed when there is an outbreak of any vaccine-preventable diseases in the community.  Nurses will check the immunization records of children in any child care or school who may have been exposed to the disease. They will notify parents if their child does not have proof of immunity. Those children would be kept out of school until it is safe for them to return. Incomplete records can result in exclusion from child care or suspension from school.

Temporary discomfort, long-term benefit

When making decisions about their child’s vaccination, parents must consider both the risks and the benefits. The most significant benefit is that children are protected from some very serious diseases. They get immunity without suffering the illness or any possible complications. Side effects from vaccinations are usually mild, and may include pain and tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site, a mild fever and/or fussiness in infants. Serious side effects are rare.

The pain associated with a vaccination often causes anxiety about the process for the child and the parents. Reducing this pain can lead to less worry and fear of needles. There are several ways parents can help to reduce the pain. Find out more at ParentinginOttawa.com/immunization

Talk about vaccines with your child

The following books for children can help you discuss immunization, fighting germs, and doctor’s visits. They are available at the Ottawa Public Library:

The Berenstain Bears Go To the Doctor, by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Random House, 1981.

Itchy, Itchy Chicken Pox, by Grace Maccarone, Scholastic Inc., 1992.

No Measles, no Mumps for Me, by Paul Showers, in the series of “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Books”, Thomas Y. Crowell, 1980.

Germs Make Me Sick!, by Melvin Berger, in the series of “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Books”, Thomas Y. Crowell, 1985.

Do you have more questions?

·         Visit the immunization page on the new Parenting in Ottawa website: ParentinginOttawa.com/immunization

·         Speak with a Public Health Nurse. Call the Ottawa Public Health Info Line (OPHIL) at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656) or email Ottawa Public Health at healthsante@ottawa.ca

·         Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page (Facebook.com/ParentinginOttawa).