In Canada, vaccine schedules help parents know when their babies should be immunized against various diseases. What benefits does using a vaccine schedule provide? Find out with this infographic.
Vaccine schedules by province can be accessed on the Government of Canada website here: https://bit.ly/3ox2uLo
Image description and full text
At the top of the graphic, a light blue rectangle blocks out the header. There are slightly darker blue lines connecting dots and circles in the background, like a web of connections. White header text reads “Why follow a vaccine schedule?” And the CCFV logo is aligned to the left of the title.
Below, four rounded rectangular blocks divide the four sections. Each is accompanied by a circular image that fits on the block.
Protection before exposure
In the first years of life, infants are especially vulnerable to a number of diseases. A schedule plans out vaccines so they will be given before children are most likely to be exposed to those illnesses.
Image: A fair-skinned infant with black, straight hair and Asian features sits upright on a hardwood floor, surrounded by toys. They chew on a bright pink chewy ring.
Optimized Immunity
The experts who design the schedule look at how the immune system responds to vaccines at various ages as well as what spacing between doses will provide the best immunity.
Image: Two Black siblings, one around 6 or 7 and the other around 4 or 5, stand on a bed in superhero poses with their hands on their hips, wearing bright red and blue superhero capes and masks. They have medium-brown skin and curly hair, and are confident and joyful as they play with each other.
Fully immunized as soon as possible
It is safe for your child to receive multiple vaccines at a time. Spreading them out can leave them vulnerable for longer, which is why the schedule recommends grouping some together.
Image: A white woman sits in the background, smiling gently, arm outstretched to support her young infant as they receive a vaccine. A Black woman crouches in front of the child as she applies a bandaid to their leg where she administered the vaccine. She is either a doctor or nurse and is wearing blue scrubs, blue medical gloves, and a stethoscope along with a blue medical mask. The infant looks at her trustingly as they chew on their hand.
Continual Protection
Following a vaccine schedule helps parents remember when it’s time for another dose to boost fading immunity.
Image: A Black boy with short, tight curly hair in a mini afro lays on his stomach on a hardwood floor as he happily pushes a wooden toy plane. A Black man with glasses and a short beard, the boy’s father, lays on his stomach beside the boy, smiling along with him as he joins him in pushing the plane.