Immunization: Birth to Five

Updated March 21st, 2024

Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect you, your family and your community. In fact your baby will start getting immunizations at two months of age. Depending on where you live in Manitoba, your health care provider or public health nurse will give your baby their immunizations. If you do not have a health care provider use the Family Doctor Finder.

Immunizations:

  • are safe and effective
  • protect against diseases caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses
  • are also known as a shot, needle, booster, vaccine, or vaccination

Immunization Records:

You can get your immunization record by submitting a request via the e-form https://forms.gov.mb.ca/immunization-update-request/

You may also be able to get a copy by:

1. Contacting your local public health office, https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/offices.html
2. Checking if your local medical clinic or physician’s office can provide them to you, or
3. Asking at a local nursing station or health centre.

Some vaccines need more than one dose to:

  • Build immunity to prevent the disease.
  • Boost immunity that can weaken over time.
  • Protect against germs that change over time, like the flu.

What vaccines should my child get?

Vaccine
Age of Child

2
months

4
months

6
months

12
months

18
months

4-6
years

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib)

Pneumococcal Conjugate 13 valent (Pneu-C-13) ^

Rotavirus *

Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV)

Meningococcal Conjugate
Quadrivalent (Men-C-ACYW)*

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio (Tdap-IPV)

Influenza (Flu) All Manitobans 6 months of age and older are eligible for influenza vaccine each year. Click here for current information on the seasonal

♦  = A single vaccine dose given.
^  = Children with high-risk medical conditions and those living in First Nations communities should be immunized at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months.

For more information- Recommended Manitoba Immunization Schedule for Infants

* Starting March 1, 2024, a meningococcal vaccine that will protect against four strains will be offered as part of the Immunization Schedule for Infants and Pre-School Children. Nimenrix® is the recommended product if the pneumococcal vaccine is also being administered as Nimenrix® does not decrease the immune response to the pneumococcal vaccine (i.e., Prevnar® 13). Nimenrix® is given as a single dose to children 12 months and older. For children 12 to 23 months of age, Menactra® has a 2-dose schedule with the second dose given at least 3 months apart. If the child is 24 months and older, Menactra® is given as a single dose. Those with certain high-risk medical conditions may require additional doses. Refer to the Manitoba Health eligibility criteria and the Canadian Immunization Guide for dose requirements and intervals.

If your child has missed any of their vaccines, click here catch-up schedule.

Children should stay updated on their COVID vaccines. Everyone aged 6 months and older can get a seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccine. For COVID-19 immunization information visit Protect MB and Protect our People MB.

Preparing for your Child’s Vaccine Appointment

 

Preparing Your Child for their Vaccine from Shared Health on Vimeo.

Note: Other videos may be recommended by the host channel (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo).  These suggestions may be based on your personal search history and other factors. The WRHA does not control these suggestions and is not responsible for and may not endorse the content.

Hot parent tip:
  • Try breastfeeding your baby while she is being immunized to help soothe her.
  • Hold your child close, distract with singing or talking.
  • You can try to distract an older child with toys such as bubbles, pop-up books, puppets or rattles.
  • For more tips to help your young child cope with immunizations click here.
References:

Government of Manitoba: Routine Immunizations Schedules
Government of Manitoba Covid-19 Vaccine
Protect Manitoba 
Immunize.ca- Pain Management during Immunizations