Immunizing Children

This article addresses the complex contexts within which Canadianhealth professionals engage in immunizing children and focuses on the Canadian practiceguidelines and current scientific evidence that direct Canadian health professionalcompetencies. The article begins by presenting two current global vaccine initiativesand links these to immunization in Canada. A selected literature review identifiescurrent best immunization practices. With the purpose of promoting quality improvement,three key Canadian immunization competencies for health professional are highlighted:communication with parents, including those who are experiencing vaccine hesitancy;administration of immunizing agents; and documentation of immunizations. Healthprofessionals are encouraged to reflect on immunization competencies and ensureevidence-based practices underpin vaccine delivery in their primary caresettings