Immunizations and Vaccines

Report your child's immunizations

Every time a child is immunized by a health care provider, parents and/or guardians must report it to Durham Region Health Department. Please attach a photo of the immunization record.

Please do not report immunizations received at school or clinics that were provided by Durham Region Health Department. These will be automatically entered by Health Department staff.

Report your child's immunizations online

What is immunization?

Immunization is the process where a person becomes protected or resistant to a disease, by receiving a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to prevent a person from getting an infection or disease altogether, or by making the illness less severe.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illnesses. Vaccine-preventable diseases are rare in North America because of immunization.

Where can I get more information?

Scarborough Health Network VaxFacts Clinic
Learn more about vaccines and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with expert doctors. Book an appointment for a telephone consultation available in more than 200 languages.

Immunization InfoLine | SickKids
Through a scheduled phone consult with a specially trained nurse, you will have the opportunity to have an open, one-on-one conversation and ask questions about immunizations in a secure and non-judgmental environment.

Understanding vaccines
There is a lot of information about vaccines and sometimes it is hard to know where to look. Here are some tools and resources to help you make informed decisions.

When to immunize

It is important to follow the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule. The age of when vaccines are given, and the number of doses needed has been established using evidence from scientific research. To provide optimal protection, recommended immunization schedules should be followed as closely as possible. There are no known benefits to delaying vaccines or following different immunization schedules. Delaying immunizations leaves your child at risk of getting diseases that can be prevented by immunizations.

Travelling soon? Stay healthy and safe while travelling.

You may need vaccines for your destination.
Check with your health care provider to see which vaccines you need and how many doses.
Learn what vaccines you need for your destination.
Carry a copy of your immunization record while travelling. Some countries need proof of vaccination.

Find travel advice and clinic information

Immunization laws

In Ontario there are two laws: the Child Care Early Years Act and the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Under these laws, Durham Region Health Department must collect and keep up-to-date immunization records for every child registered in licensed child care and school, until the age of 18 years.

Even healthy adults need vaccines

Your vaccination needs can change with your:

age
travel
lifestyle
health status
employment

Consult your health care provider to discuss your vaccination needs.

Are you 18 or older and without OHIP coverage, a health care provider, or experiencing difficulty getting vaccines through your health care provider?

Call Durham Health Connection Line to speak with a public health nurse about your immunization options.

Reasons to vaccinate

Vaccines protect you from illness, disability and even death. Vaccines also protect people around you.

People who work in some jobs such as, teachers, child care workers or health care providers are at risk of getting preventable diseases. Vaccines may be needed to work in these jobs or to attend post-secondary education programs.

As you age, you may be more likely to get diseases like shingles or pneumonia. You can prevent some of these diseases through vaccination. Some vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may need booster shots for some vaccines to maintain immunity.

Vaccines for adults

Adults in Ontario can get the following routine vaccines for free:

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) once in adulthood, followed by tetanus and diphtheria (Td) every 10 years.
Shingles vaccine (between 65 and 70-years old).
Pneumococcal 20 conjugate (Pneu-C-20), Prevnar 20 vaccine (age 65 and older).
Annual flu vaccine.

Ontario's Routine Immunization Schedule

You may need other vaccines based on your health status and lifestyle. Talk to your health care provider to review your vaccine options. Learn more about vaccine options for specific populations.

Vaccines in pregnancy and breastfeeding

You can get routine vaccines while breastfeeding. It is safe and benefits both you and your baby.

If thinking about getting pregnant, check with your health care provider to ensure your immunizations are up to date. You may need a blood test to be sure.

Getting more vaccines may help you and your baby.

Talk to your doctor about your vaccine needs. They will tell you the best time to get your shots.

You and your baby are at a higher risk of serious illness from the flu during and after pregnancy. A flu shot given during pregnancy protects both you and your baby.
Vaccines, such as pertussis, during pregnancy give immunity to you and your baby.
Breastfeeding shares some of your immunity with your baby, until they get their own vaccines.
You or your baby may be eligible to receive the Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Speak to your health care provider for more information.

Protect your baby by making sure your family, friends and close contacts are up to date with their vaccines.

Learn more about vaccines in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For more information see Public Health Agency of Canada - Not just for kids. An adult guide to vaccination