Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella vaccine

Starting April 1st 2011, children will be receiving 2 doses of Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (MMRV) vaccine at 12 and 18 months. This will replace the current two doses of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine given at 12 and 18 months and the single dose of Varicella given at 12 months. This change meets the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to administer two doses of Varicella. Also, by using a combined vaccine the number of injections given to a child will be reduced.

Tetanus diphtheria pertussis vaccine

Starting April 1st 2011, adults will be offered the Tetanus diphtheria pertussis (Tdap) vaccine instead of the Tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine, as part of their routine 10 year adult boosters. This change meets NACI recommendations and will enhance protection to infants in Saskatchewan. Parents and close caregivers will continue to be offered Tdap vaccine (cocooning) at the time of an infant's birth. Regions will continue to have an accelerated program of vaccinating health care workers working with pregnant women and children.

Quadrivalent meningitis conjugated vaccine

Starting September 2011, the current monovalent (single strain) conjugated meningitis C vaccine offered to grade 6 students will be replaced by a quadrivalent meningitis conjugated vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccines protects against 4 strains of meningococcal meningitis. This change is in accordance with NACI recommendations and is in keeping with other provinces that are enhancing protection to teens from meningococcal meningitis.