Immunization
Immunization is an important program offered by our clinic to babies, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Immunizations help to prevent disease and strengthen the immune system.
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The Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule guides the routine immunizations provided free to all age groups. The links below provide further helpful information:
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Ontario's Routine Immunization Schedule
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Influenza Immunization
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The flu is a viral infection that can have severe complications. Anyone can get the flu virus. The flu is not just a cold. You could miss school, work, parties, holidays, or even end up in the hospital. Getting the flu shot, wearing a mask, avoiding people who are sick and washing your hands can help prevent the flu. Flu shots are available for people who are 6 months of age and older.
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There are three ways to get your flu shot:
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Through Ottawa Public Health (6 months and up) – see here for more information
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At your local pharmacy (2 years and up). Call your pharmacy for more information
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At the family health team – for children 6 months to 2 years of age OR for patients who already have an appointment booked for another reason.
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Local pharmacies and the Family Health Team should have vaccine available between mid Oct until the end of flu season the following spring.
Click HERE for more Influenza Vaccine information
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Covid-19 Immunization
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Covid-19 immunization is not currently offered at our clinics. Various locations offer the Covid-19 vaccine in Ottawa such as select pharmacies, mobile clinics, and immunization clinics run by Ottawa Public Health.
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Please click here for more information on how to access Covid-19 vaccination.
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RSV Prevention Programs
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infects the lungs and airways. Many people have had it at least once by the time they are two years old. For most people it causes a cold. However, in some very young infants or older adults the symptoms can be serious and make people sick enough to be admitted to hospital. Ontario's publicly funded RSV prevention programs are focused on infants and high-risk older adults. Below are some further details, but please reach out to your health care provider if you have any further questions or look at the resources provided.
Newborns and Infants
All infants born in 2024, or during the 2024/25 RSV season (November- March) will be offered a preventive antibody medication (Beyfortus). If born in-season and in hospital, the newborn will be offered the medication before discharge from the hospital.
Infants born in 2024 prior to the RSV season, who are our patients, can get Beyfortus at our Family Health Team. Some medically high-risk infants up to 24 months old will also be able to receive this medication. RSV prevention from Beyfortus has been shown to last for 6 months and to work very well in reducing the need for infants to be admitted to hospital.
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant people may be offered the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, at 32-26 weeks gestational age. The infant medication Beyfortus, is preferred over Abrysvo for preventing serious RSV infection due to it being 30% more effective and lasting longer. Receiving both Abrysvo and Beyfortus is not expected to provide additional benefits.
More information can be found from this resource: English- https://www.pcmch.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/pcmch-rsv-parent-fact-sheet.pdf
French- https://www.pcmch.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/pcmch-rsv-parent-fact-sheet-fr.pdf
​​Older Adults
RSV vaccine ( Abrysvo or Arexvy) is provided for individuals who are over 60 years of age and at high-risk from RSV because of their home setting (long-term care homes, elder care lodges, or retirement homes) or medical conditions (dialysis, transplants). RSV vaccine is also provided to individuals experiencing homelessness and those who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis. If you received an RSV vaccine last year, then you do not require one this season.
If you are over 60 years old and do not qualify for the publicly funded free RSV vaccine, you may choose to purchase it at a pharmacy with a prescription. Discuss with your health care provider.
More information can be found from this resource: https://www.ontario.ca/files/2024-08/moh-older-adult-high-risk-rsv-fact-sheet-v4-0-vaccine-recipients-en-2024-08-16.pdf
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Making Immunization a Positive Experience!
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Our clinic aims to make immunization a positive experience for all. Below are some resources that can help you to prepare yourself and/or your child:
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CARD resources for infants/babies
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Additional Immunization Resources for Parents
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Vaccinate risks and responsibilities
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Keeping Track of Immunizations
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You will be provided with a small booklet that you are encouraged to keep as a record of your immunizations. Ottawa Public health requires that parents report their child’s immunizations prior to entering school. A convenient digital way to keep track of immunizations is through the free digital app, CANImmunize, available at:
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