Immunization and Vaccines

young girl smiling at mother after getting immunizations

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Immunization is one of the most important ways to keep people and communities healthy. Vaccines safely provide the best protection against many serious illnesses.

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers immunization clinics and influenza (flu) clinics (5 years and under) to help protect you, your family and the larger community. SWPH provides immunizations in schools, including the Grade 7 immunization program.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines introduce a harmless part of a germ called an antigen into your body. The antigen helps your immune system create antibodies that will fight off the actual infection if it ever enters your body.

Vaccine myths and facts

Vaccines are safe and they are the best way to protect against many serious diseases. Learn more about vaccine myths and facts in Immunization: Get the Facts from Immunize Canada. Here are five vaccine myths explained:

Myth 1: Vaccines aren’t needed because infection rates are low enough

Many serious diseases that used to be common are rare because of vaccines. These diseases may still be common in other countries. They can come back when people travel, and when immunization rates go down. For example, there was a whooping cough outbreak in Elgin County in 2011- 2012, and a rubella outbreak in Oxford County in 2005.

Myth 2: Vaccines cause autism

Vaccines do not cause autism. This myth was based on one study published in 1997 which has since been proven wrong.

Myth 3: Infant immune systems can’t handle so many vaccines

Getting more than one vaccine at the same time does not overwhelm a child’s immune system. Children are exposed to millions of germs which their bodies take care of every day.

Myth 4: Vaccines contain unsafe toxins

Vaccine ingredients are found in items we use every day, and some are even found naturally in foods, our plants, or our bodies (i.e., formaldehyde, aluminum). Learn more about vaccine ingredients from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Myth 5: Natural immunity is better than immunity from vaccines

Getting immunity through getting the disease can have long term or permanent consequences. Some diseases will provide long term immunity, but there are other diseases that you can get multiple times. Vaccines help your body build immunity safely without the risk of getting very sick.

Travel immunization

Find out which travel vaccinations are recommended for the area you are travelling to from Health Canada. Consult your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your trip. SWPH does not provide travel clinics.