Immunizations

According to experts, immunizations, also called "shots or needles", are the best way to protect people of all ages against infectious and often deadly diseases. There is no reason for anyone to suffer from a disease when such an effective way exists to prevent it.

Immunization has not only saved more lives over the past 50 years than any other health intervention but has also been proven to be extraordinarily safe.

For children attending school in Ontario, a written immunization record or proof of immunization is required, by law, for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella unless there is a valid written exemption. Parents/guardians are required to provide this information to their local public health unit, and to update the information as necessary.

You may decide because of medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. In this case, you will need to provide a valid written exemption to your local public health unit. If the disease appears in your child's school or childcare centre, your child may have to stay out of school/childcare until the disease is no longer present.

Make sure your immunizations are up to date and recorded on your yellow immunization record

The Porcupine Health Unit provides a Immunization clinics and the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario.

Other Resources

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Tern Care Immunizations

The Canadian Pediatric Society  

The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion