Infants and Children - In Canada the immunization process starts when our children are 2 months old.  Vaccines are administered as per a standard immunization schedule, i.e.  the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario (August 2011). Our healthcare professionals can help you coordinate your child’s immunizations.

Adults & Teens - Immunization is not just for kids!  Childhood immunization does not provide lifelong immunity against some diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria. Helper, or booster, shots are required to maintain immunity. As well, adults who were not adequately immunized as children may be at risk of infection from other vaccine-preventable diseases (CCIAP). Consult our health care professionals to make sure you are protected.

University Students - Individual faculties have specific requirements for clinical placements (i.e. Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Human Kinetics, etc).   Go to http://www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/CPRM-Immunization.html for all clinical placement requirements.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for these tests/immunizations to be completed. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete your immunizations before your first clinical placement.

Annual Flu Vaccine - Flu shots can help you, your family and your friends stay healthy.  We strongly encourage you to get your flu shot even if you received one last year.  There are many strains of influenza and they keep changing.  The Public Health Agency of Canada produces a new vaccine each year that provides protection against the most common strains predicted for the coming season.  Free flu vaccine will be offered at UOHS and at on-campus Flu Clinics starting in late October.

Travel Vaccines – Before you travel be sure you are protected.  UOHS offers a Travel Clinic (link).

Most routine childhood vaccinations are free for Ontario patients.
There is a fee for most other vaccines including travel vaccines.
Please verify the immunization fee schedule.

More information about Immunization and Vaccines:

Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion (CCIAP) - http://www.immunize.cpha.ca/en/default.aspx
Canadian Paediatric Society - http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care - http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/immunization/resources.aspx
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/index-eng.php
Fight Flu – Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) - http://www.fightflu.ca/index-eng.html
World Health Organization (WHO) - http://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/

TB Testing

Tuberculosis has existed for centuries, and used to be called "consumption." It is a serious disease that usually attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, urinary tract and bones. Even though TB is completely curable with antibiotics, it continues to be a major health problem that kills almost two million people worldwide every year (Health Canada).

A skin test can determine whether you have TB infection. A very small amount of non-infectious TB protein is injected under the surface of your skin. If you are infected with TB, a hard swelling (induration) usually develops at the injection site within 48 to 72 hours.

Students whose program includes clinical placements will require TB Testing. 

Go to http://www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/CPRM-Immunization.html for all clinical placement requirements. Special TB screening clinics will be offered in February/March.  Students can also come to UOHS anytime for TB testing.   

More Information about TB

Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/tubercu-eng.php