Yes! Vaccines are so effective that most of the diseases they prevent are now rare. These diseases have serious complication and fatality rates. The only disease that has been eradicated in the world is smallpox, and that was due directly to immunization and global vaccine campaigns.

In Canada, we still see cases of vaccine-preventable disease because they have not been eliminated. We have importations of measles, for example, and we have outbreaks that happen partially due to increased air travel throughout the world and pockets of high-risk people who are not immunized. However, for the most part — we just do not see these diseases anymore.

Science! Extensive research has lead to new vaccines to protect against more diseases than ever before.  With today’s routine schedule, children in Ontario are protected against 13 diseases by the time they are 15 months old.  By the time a child finishes Grade 8, a child following the routine schedule will be protected from another 2 diseases. Children get most of this protection from several shots spread out over the first 15 months of life. Some vaccines are combined to provide protection against several diseases at once – this reduces the number of shots needed.

For most people, there are no side effects from immunizations. However, some people may experience mild pain, swelling and redness at injection site. Talk with your healthcare provider about how these reactions can be prevented or minimized. Serious side effects are rare. For those with specific medical conditions, including pregnancy, you should always discuss the benefits and risks prior to immunization.

For more vaccine safety information, click here.