Vaccine Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is immunization compulsory in Canada? Does my child have to be immunized?

Answer: Immunization is not compulsory or "forced" in Canada, but we do have regulations that help ensure that as many people as possible are protected by vaccines from the diseases they prevent. Some provinces require certain vaccines to be given before a child can enter school, but these are not mandatory in the usual sense of the term. Rather, parents (or children, if they are old enough to give consent) are required to declare a choice of whether to have their child (or themselves) immunized or not. If they choose not to, the child may be told that he or she must stay home from school if there is an outbreak of disease. This rule is designed to keep unimmunized children from getting sick and to keep the outbreak from spreading. School entry regulations also give parents an opportunity to bring their child's immunizations up to date. Health care workers may also be required to have certain vaccinations, such as hepatitis B vaccine and an annual 'flu shot. If they refuse, they may be required to stay away from work during an outbreak. This practice protects their patients, who could be in grave danger if they became ill with a communicable disease.

Conclusion

Because the diseases that vaccines can prevent are so rarely seen by the general public today, it is understandable that vaccine safety concerns have such a high profile. Careful and timely counselling can help patients weigh the benefits of vaccines and the risks of disease, as well as the small risk of the vaccine itself. By providing vaccines in a climate of appropriate informed consent, including discussion of the common misconceptions that are circulating, immunization will maintain its status as one of the most effective preventive measures in the history of medicine.

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