Keeping An Immunization Schedule
It is very important to keep track of when your child receives their immunization shots. Not only will it help you remember when to make an appointment for their next shot, in can also come in handy when it is time to register for school.
Why You Need a Record
All health care providers are legally required to keep a record of immunizations in their patient's chart. Some health care providers may also supply their patients with handy immunization record cards that allow you to keep track yourself of which vaccines have and have not been given. Unfortunately, many parents do not bother to keep track of their child's immunizations.
Child immunizations records are vital to ensuring your child receives all of their vaccines on time and that they do not need to repeat any shots. Many schools throughout the United States and Canada require students to have all of their vaccines up-to-date. If your child does not have their shots, then they cannot enroll or continue on in school. Some daycare and day camp programs have also begun to stipulate this condition for enrollment.
But what if your child has had their shots? Well, then you need to provide proof and this is where your child's immunization records come in. If you cannot provide documented evidence of your child's vaccinations, then you will need to have your child immunized again.
If your child's health care provider does not provide you with an immunization record card, you can easily create your own. Or print out our version and fill in the dates when your child is immunized. In Canada you can also contact your nearest Health Canada regional office to request a baby health record card. This not only allows you to jot down when your child was immunized but also other important medical information like medical tests, hospitalizations or major illnesses.
How to Find Old Immunization Records
If your child has had a few vaccinations already but you have just started keeping track, don't worry. You can fill in the missing information and dates by contacting your child's health care provider. Legally, they need to write down every vaccine they have given your child. You can also contact them if you need documented proof of vaccinations for your child's school.
Keeping a Schedule
Parents have so much going on in their lives already that they can't always be expected to remember when their child is due for their next vaccine. This is why many health care providers, insurance companies and government health programs have taken the initiative in helping out parents.
Thanks to technology, reminding parents about their children's vaccination schedule is even easier these days. Many doctor's offices now offer e-mail reminders about vaccinations. Ask your child's health care provider if they offer this service.
Some doctors' offices mail out immunization reminder cards to parents indicating that their children will soon need another vaccine. Some states, like Idaho, have a state reminder service whereby the health department mails out reminder cards to parents with children of a particular age.
Of course, sometimes you just need to ask for some help when it comes to remembering vaccinations. Many health care providers don't already have a reminder system in place but are happy to oblige if their patients ask. Alternatively, some insurance companies, like the Blue Cross, offer a reminder service to their customers. Again, you just need to ask.
Childhood Immunization Schedule
Here are the recommended ages for immunizations in Canada and the United States. However, this is only a guideline. Please check with your child's health care provider for the most up-to-date information.
| Child's Age | Recommended Vaccines for the United States | Recommended Vaccines for Canada |
| Birth | A series of three Hepatitis B vaccines may be given if necessary | A series of three Hepatitis B vaccines may be given if necessary |
| 2 months | DTaP, Hib1, Polio, Pneumococcal | DTaP, Hib1, Polio, Pneumococcal |
| 4 months | DTaP, Hib1, Polio, Pneumococcal | DTaP, Hib1, Polio, Pneumococcal |
| 6 months | DTaP, Hib1, Pneumococcal | DTaP, Hib1, Pneumococcal, Polio (this is an optional shot) |
| 12 months | Hib1, Polio, MMR, Pneumococcal, Varicella (this vaccine can be administered anytime after 12 months) | MMR, Pneumococcal, Varicella (this vaccine can be administered anytime after 12 months) |
| 15 months | DTaP | |
| 18 months | DTaP, Hib1, Polio, MMR (optional) | |
| 24 months | Pneumococcal | |
| 4 - 6 years | Polio, MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (can be administered anytime after the fourth birthday) | DTaP, Polio, MMR (if not given at 18 months) |
| 11 - 12 years | Hepatitis B if not already immunized. | |
| 13 years and up | Varicella if not already immunized. Will need two shots, 1 month apart | TD (between 14 and 16 years), Varicella if not already immunized. Will need two shots, 1 month apart |
