Definition
Vaccination consists of introducing into the body an outside agent (the vaccine) which causes the immune system to produce means of defending against an infection, without actually causing the disease.
Vaccines stimulate our defence cells to produce substances called antibodies in what is an entirely natural protective reaction. These antibodies protect a vaccinated individual against disease caused by real germs.
Vaccinations:
- are not mandatory in Canada, but they are strongly recommended; and
- are free-of-charge in most cases
Are you a health professional?
If you are interested in learning more, please visit the vaccination page on the website of Montréal's Director of Public Health.
Practical advice
What diseases do you need to get vaccinated for and when?
A vaccination schedule and data sheets on the vaccines are available on the website of the MSSS.
Twelve of the vaccine data sheets are also available in Arabic, Chinese and Spanish:
Arabic:
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Seasonal flu vaccine
Vaccination: A good protection
Pneumococcal conjugated vaccine
Rabies vaccine
Td-Polio vaccine
Tdap vaccine
DTap-Polio-Hib vaccine
Meningococcal Group C conjugate vaccine
MMR vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine
Chickenpox vaccine
Chinese:
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Influenza (flu) vaccine
Vaccination: a good protection
Pneumococcal conjugated vaccine
Rabies vaccine
Td-Polio vaccine
Tdap vaccine
DTap-Polio-Hib vaccine
Meningococcal Group C Conjugate vaccine
MMR vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine
Chickenpox vaccine
Spanish:
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Influenza (flu) vaccine
Vaccination: a good protection
Pneumococcal conjugated vaccine
Rabies vaccine
Td-Polio vaccine
Tdap vaccine
DTap-Polio-Hib vaccine
Meningococcal Group C Conjugate vaccine
MMR vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine
Chickenpox vaccine
Where can you find additional, credible information?
Find out about vaccinations (MSSS)
HPV Vaccination Program
Canadian Paediatric Society - Immunization
Immunization Monitoring Program ACTive
Caring for Kids
Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion
Public Health Agency of Canada - Canadian Immunization Guide
National Advisory Committee on Immunization
Immunize
Immunization Action Coalition
Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada
American Academy of Pediatries
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
