Did you know that immunization can protect infants and children from serious illnesses that may result in permanent disability or death? Immunizing on time is the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and measles. Multiple injections at one visit do not overwhelm the immune system and cause less pain than waiting a few days between administration of injections.
It’s true.
In Saskatchewan, babies receive their first vaccinations at two months of age. Following Saskatchewan’s routine immunization schedule, babies get immunized at four months, six months, 12 months, 18 months and four years. After that, they are next scheduled for vaccinations in Grades 6 and 8.
Saskatchewan’s routine childhood immunization schedule
Some of the vaccines babies and children receive are first doses against a disease; others are booster doses for vaccines they have already received. The boosters are just as important as the first doses, as they maintain immunity against those diseases.
It’s also important to note that some immunizations and natural infections do not provide lifelong immunity against diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria, and therefore it’s important to maintain immunizations after you reach adulthood.
In Saskatchewan, vaccines are provided at a variety of settings such as child health/public health clinics, schools, Influenza clinics and through other health initiatives.
For more information contact your local public health office, your health care provider or
visit here.