As a result of mass immunization in Canada, the incidence of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella and Hib has been greatly reduced. The efficacy of the current Canadian vaccine is not well defined. OPV is more effective in preventing the spread of wild polio viruses. The major adverse effect of polio vaccine is vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis. There is indirect evidence of the effectiveness of a 2 nd dose in eliminating primary vaccine failure.
Rubella vaccine is efficacious in preventing rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome.
Costs were not discussed. Citations in support of individual recommendations are identified in the guideline text. This report was externally peer reviewed. Sponsors The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care developed this guideline with funding from Health Canada. Source Document Gold R, Martell A. Childhood immunizations.