Summer project: make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date
New requirements for Ontario children between the ages of four and 17 mean that three vaccines that were formerly optional are now mandatory: meningococcal disease (including meningitis), whooping cough and chicken pox (for children born after 2010). Proof of vaccination is now required upon entering or returning to school in September (unless you have received an exemption from your municipal office of Public Health on religious or philosophical grounds). The whooping cough (pertussis) immunization is part of vaccine including diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP). It is usually administered at two, four, six and 18 months. But your child needs a booster between four and six, and between 14 and 16. The meningococcal vaccine is administered at 12 months, with a second dose given in Grade 7. Chicken pox is administered at 15 months and again between four and six.
Need help keeping track of vaccines? Check out this app: Immunize.ca.
