Ontario expands vaccine programs for children

Vaccine generic

TORONTO - Parents in Ontario will soon be able to access more free vaccines to protect their children against serious infectious diseases.

The Canadian Press has learned the government will expand its immunization program to include a new, oral vaccine to protect against rotavirus, which causes diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

Starting this August, there will also be a second childhood dose of varicella vaccine to enhance protections against chicken pox.

Ontario will also offer a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine that will reduce the number of immunizations a child needs.

And there will be a lifetime dose of pertussis vaccine against whooping cough for adults age 19-to-64,who often pass this disease to infants and children.

A government source says the changes will save families money and better protect their kids against more viruses.