B.C. immunization schedule

B.C. immunization schedule

Keep your family’s vaccinations up to date

Vaccines help protect you and your family from many harmful diseases, like measles, mumps, and whooping cough
ChildhoodVaccine

Last updated: August 19, 2024

Why are vaccines important?

B.C.'s routine immunizations are safe and proven to help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases at any age.

In Canada, the risk of getting a vaccine-preventable disease is rare. This is only the case because these diseases are now rare because of high immunization rates. However, the bacteria and viruses that cause these diseases still exist. If immunization rates drop, these diseases can come back; this has happened in other countries, resulting in many hospitalizations and deaths.

Many diseases that are uncommon in Canada are still circulating in other parts of the world and can be brought to Canada by people who travel abroad. Without protection from vaccines, these diseases can spread quickly and cause outbreaks.

By ensuring your family stays up to date on routine vaccinations, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones.

Immunization schedules

See which vaccines are recommended and when.

Book an appointment

Some vaccines are given only once, while others require several doses over a period of time. In B.C., immunizations are given by a number of health care professionals including:

  • Public health nurses
  • Doctors
  • Pharmacists (for ages 4 and up)
  • Nurses in private travel and vaccine clinics
  • Occupational health nurses at your workplace

Don't wait – book now. Call your primary care provider, local public health clinic or pharmacist (for ages 4 and up) to book a routine vaccination appointment for yourself or your children.

Timing of vaccines

The immunization schedule is designed to protect your child early in life before they are likely to be exposed to serious diseases and when they are most vulnerable. This might mean having to get several vaccines at once, or in a short period of time.

The timing of immunizations is based on how a child's immune system responds to the vaccine at certain ages and how likely a child is to be exposed to a disease and have complications. Following the immunization schedule ensures your child is protected when they need it and in the most safe and effective way.

There is no need to delay immunizations because of colds or other minor illnesses, but when in doubt, discuss your concerns first with your health care provider.

You can also create a personal vaccine schedule.

Vaccine recording and reporting

It’s important to keep a record of any vaccines you or your family have received. You will be asked to provide your child’s immunization records when registering for daycare or school in British Columbia. Your child’s records are also logged in the Provincial Immunization Registry.

Collecting immunization information helps public health control outbreaks in schools by quickly identifying children who are not fully immunized and helps everyone get back to learning as soon as possible.

Find out more about the Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation

Unsure if you or your child missed a vaccination?

You can check your immunization history on Health Gateway. Health Gateway provides secure and convenient access to your health records in British Columbia. All you need is your BC Services Card or Personal Health Number to get started.

Check your records online