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Vaccinations

Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.

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Last updated: October 15, 2024

Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, are important for people of all ages. They help your immune system recognize and quickly kill bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness or death. By getting immunized, you not only protect yourself and your family, but others as well. Many vaccines are provided free as part of your child's routine immunizations. 

Respiratory illness

Getting vaccinated helps protect yourself, your community and B.C.’s health care system this respiratory illness season. Starting in October, everyone 6 months and older can get an updated influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For information on booking your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit the BC Government Respiratory Illness page. For information on respiratory illnesses, visit the Handling Respiratory Illnesses page.

COVID-19 immunization

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit:

Influenza (Flu) immunization

To learn more about the flu vaccines, including myths and facts, click on the links below.

B.C. immunization schedules

The schedules below list vaccines provided free to residents of B.C. The schedules can help you determine when you or your family need to be immunized. Find individual immunization schedules for different age groups and individuals at high risk.

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Routine immunizations

Childhood immunizations begin at 2 months of age and continue until your child is 4 to 6 years old. Children in grades 6 and 9 also get immunizations as part of the school-based immunization program. Additional immunizations are recommended for adults, seniors and those deemed high risk.

The vaccines listed below are provided free to residents of British Columbia. Please note that certain restrictions apply for some vaccines. For more information about each vaccine, including at what age each vaccine is given and who is eligible to receive the vaccine for free, click on the links below or visit the B.C. Immunization Schedules. You can use the Child Health Passport to record your child’s immunizations.

Immunizing your child

To keep your child safe, it is important that they get all their vaccines on time. By getting vaccines on time, your child can be protected from many diseases over their lifetime. Click on the links below to learn how to give your child a better immunization experience, the benefits of vaccinating your child and more.

Vaccination status reporting

The B.C. Government approved the Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation, effective July 1, 2019. This regulation requires parents or guardians to report school-age children’s vaccination status. Public health units began implementing the Regulation in September 2019.

Recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease in B.C. highlight the importance of immunization. The regulation is part of the Government’s plan to increase immunization rates in B.C. Visit the Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation page to learn more.

Vaccines recommended for adults in B.C.

For a list of vaccines recommend for adults in BC click on the link below. Please note that certain restrictions apply for some vaccines. To learn more, visit ImmunizeBC: What vaccines do adults need?

Travel immunizations

If you travel abroad, you may encounter diseases that are not common in Canada. Depending on what region of the world you are travelling to, you may need one of the vaccines listed below. For more information about travel vaccines, click on the links below or speak to your health care provider.

For a list of travel vaccines that you should consider when travelling to a particular country, visit Government of Canada: Travel advice and advisories by destination. You can search for the country name in the drop-down menu or filter destinations, and then click the Health tab to access recommendations.

Useful websites

ImmunizeBC

ImmunizeBC works to improve the health of British Columbians and reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases. ImmunizeBC provides information on immunizations to individuals, families and health care providers. They also provide tools to make it easier for B.C. families to get immunized. For more information click on the links below.

Immunize Canada

Immunize Canada aims to control, eliminate and eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada by increasing awareness of the benefits and risks of immunization. Their App can help you store your vaccine information, manage immunization appointments, receive alerts about outbreaks and more.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) promotes health, prevents and controls chronic and infectious diseases, and responds to public health emergencies. For answers to common questions about immunizing your children, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada: A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination.