Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against serious illness and prevent outbreaks. In fact, vaccines are so effective that most of the diseases they protect against are now very rare. Still, diseases can return if people stop getting immunized. Protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious diseases by staying up to date on your immunizations.
We provide immunization services in Chapleau, Espanola, Greater Sudbury, and on Manitoulin Island.
Health experts in Canada take vaccine safety very seriously. For vaccines to be approved in Canada, they have to meet Health Canada’s highest standards for production, safety, and effectiveness. Before being approved, the safety of each vaccine is verified.
Learn more about how vaccines are developed and approved in Canada.
Side effects from immunization are typically mild and include mild pain and swelling at the site of the injection. The most common side effects are:
- mild pain
- swelling
- redness or bump where the needle was given
Less common side effects include:
- headache
- feeling tired
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- low fever or fussiness in infants
Sometimes a hard bump can be felt at the injection site and can last for a few weeks. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own in a day or two.
See a health care provider if you have more serious or unusual side effects.
To help with pain or fever:
- apply a cold, wet towel where the needle was given
- drink plenty of fluids
- Take acetaminophen or other medication as recommended by your health care provider. Use the amount as recommended on the package, repeating every 4 to 6 hours when needed. Do not use for any longer than 48 hours.
- Aspirin should not be used in people less than 18 years of age
There are things parents and guardians can do before, during and after the visit to make the process less stressful. Ontario.ca offers more information about how to have a positive immunization experience for children.
There are myths going around about vaccines. We encourage parents to get immunization information from reliable sources.