Immunization for newcomer children and youth
Many newcomer families experience logistical, linguistic, and cultural barriers to immunization. Some arrive in Canada without all recommended vaccines. And there is growing evidence that newcomer populations bear a disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Clinicians can help newcomer families navigate the steps involved in immunizing their children and youth. Whether it’s taking a culturally safe and antiracist approach to care, making time and space for judgement-free conversations, or providing access to information in a family’s home language, you can help improve the vaccine experience and ensure that newcomer children and youth are protected against vaccine-preventable disease.
Sections
This section of the website was developed as part of a project supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Immunization Partnership Fund. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Strategies to improve the vaccine experience
Providing information in a patient’s language (whether in written format or through a trained interpreter), reducing pain and anxiety, and ensuring health care is culturally safe are all ways to encourage families to accept and feel comfortable with immunization.
Vaccine information for newcomer families
Newcomer families sometimes face barriers to immunization, but clinicians can help. Visit this page to learn more.
CARD system for reducing pain and anxiety associated with immunization
The CARD system (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) offers resources that help children prepare for and cope during vaccination procedures.
Providing culturally safe care for newcomer children, youth, and families
Culture, religion and ethnicity may influence beliefs and values that people have about health care. Visit this page to learn more.
How and why to use interpreters when providing immunization advice
Communication can be impaired if health care providers are unaware of or insensitive to the role of culture. Interpreters can help. Visit this page to learn more.
Education Program for Immunization Competencies (EPIC)
This self-guided online program from the Canadian Paediatric Society is designed for all health care providers who administer vaccines.