CHILDHOOD DISEASES

When you follow the immunization schedule to protect your child and watch out for symptoms of other common infections, you generally don’t need to worry about childhood diseases. Learn more about vaccinations and how they protect your child.
  • Vaccinations for childhood diseases
  • Common childhood diseases

VACCINATIONS FOR CHILDHOOD DISEASES

Children receive a series of vaccinations from a young age to safeguard them against common childhood diseases. While vaccination is not mandatory, healthcare professionals strongly recommend it to protect children from potentially severe and fatal illnesses. Thanks to vaccines, once prevalent childhood diseases like measles and rubella are now nearly non-existent in North America, and smallpox has been eradicated.

The Québec Immunization Program offers vaccines to children under 18 for the following illnesses:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Diphtheria
  • Rotavirus (causing gastroenteritis)
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Meningococcal C infections
  • Pneumococcal infections
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
  • Mumps
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Measles
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Following the recommended immunization schedule is crucial, as each vaccine is administered when children are most susceptible and require protection against specific diseases. Vaccination can take place during routine doctor visits, school immunization days, or at local CLSC (Local Community Services Center) facilities. Vaccines covered by the Québec Immunization Program are provided free of charge.

Immunization schedule
Age Vaccines
2 months Combination vaccine against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and Hib; pneumococcal vaccine; rotavirus vaccine.
4 months Same vaccines (booster).
6 months Same vaccines (booster), except hepatitis B; flu vaccine.*
12 months Combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); meningococcal C vaccine; pneumococcal vaccine.
18 months

 

 Combination vaccine against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and Hib (booster); combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) (MMR booster).
4 to 6 Years The chickenpox vaccine only (booster); combination vaccine against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and poliomyelitis (booster).
4th year of primary school Vaccine against hepatitis B (also protects against hepatitis A); vaccine for HPV infections (for girls only).
3rd year of high school Meningococcal C vaccine (booster); combination vaccine against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus (booster).

COMMON CHILDHOOD DISEASES

Immunization effectively prevents most childhood diseases; however, some illnesses lack a corresponding vaccine. Examples include roseola, fifth disease, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, croup, and bronchiolitis.

While generally not severe, parents should consult a doctor if their child:

  • Is under 6 months with a fever.
  • Has a rectal fever exceeding 39 °C (102 °F).
  • Experiences a fever persisting for over 72 hours.
  • Displays unusual irritability or lethargy.
  • Shows signs of respiratory distress or persistent cough.
  • Exhibits a rash or other concerning symptoms.

Roseola:

  • Common in children aged 6 to 24 months.
  • Presents with high fever followed by a pink rash.
  • Contagious only during the fever.
  • Self-resolves within 7 days; fever can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Fifth Disease:

  • Common in children aged 4 to 10.
  • Characterized by red patches on cheeks, forearms, and trunk.
  • Contagious from 1 to 5 days before rash; not contagious after symptoms appear.
  • No vaccine or specific treatment; symptoms managed with fever-reducing medication.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease:

  • Typically affects children aged 6 months to 10 years.
  • Causes sore throat, fever, and painful blisters on hands, feet, and mouth.
  • Highly contagious during sores’ presence.
  • Self-resolves in 7 to 10 days; treatment focuses on fever control and hydration.

Croup:

  • Viral infection causing throat and vocal cord inflammation.
  • Common in children under 5.
  • Symptoms include fever, barking cough, and wheezing.
  • Typically resolves in 5 to 7 days; steam, moisture, and fever-reducing medication can help.

Bronchiolitis:

  • Infection of bronchioles, usually under 6 months but up to age 3.
  • Results in cold-like symptoms progressing to wheezing.
  • Can resolve on its own; some cases require hospitalization.
  • Contagious before symptoms and for a few days afterward.

Parents should seek medical advice if their child experiences severe cough, prolonged fever, breathing difficulties, or other concerning symptoms.

For more information on these diseases, consult a doctor or pharmacist.