Getting your child immunized, and immunized on time, is one of the most important ways to keep them healthy.
Why should I immunize my child?
Getting your child immunized, and immunized on time, is one of the most important ways to keep them healthy. Learn the benefits of immunizations.
When should my child get immunized?
- Routine childhood immunizations are offered at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 months, and 4 years of age.
- Vaccines work best when they are given at the right time as your child grows. Follow the B.C. immunization schedule.
- Know the five top reasons to follow the routine immunization schedule.
Routine childhood immunizations are free. Learn the risks of alternative schedules and choosing not to vaccinate your child.
What if my family is new to Canada?
Immunizations schedules are often different from country to country. As a new Canadian there may be free vaccines that your child is eligible for. Talk with a nurse at your local public health unit to find out.
What vaccines does my child need if they have a chronic health condition?
Different chronic health conditions can put your child at risk for different vaccine preventable diseases. Talk with a nurse at your local public health unit to find out what vaccines your child may be eligible for.
Are all vaccines for infants and toddlers free?
Routine recommended vaccines for infants and toddlers are free. There are additional vaccines available for purchase that may benefit your child, including vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and additional types of meningococcal bacteria. These vaccines are available from travel clinics, most pharmacies and some doctor’s offices. For more information on these vaccines speak to your family doctor.
Where do I get my child immunized?
Protect your child against serious diseases by booking your immunization appointment today. Learn about where your child can get immunized.
Immunizations are safe
Some people worry that vaccines can cause other health problems, such as autism. Researchers have not found any evidence of a link between vaccines and autism or any other illnesses. Learn more about the safety of vaccines.
Care for your child
Learn about what to expect at your child's immunization appointment and how to make the experience a positive one.
Keep your child's immunizations up-to-date and know what vaccine is next
- Book your child’s next appointment after your child is immunized and while you are still at the health unit.
- Sign up with ImmunizeBC to get text message reminders.
- Download the CANImmunize App for your iPhone or Android device.
Keep track
Children born in B.C. receive a Child Health Passport booklet. Bring this booklet to each visit, record your child’s immunizations and keep it in a safe place. You may need it later to sign up for daycare or school, to travel or to take to the hospital in case of emergency.
If you lose your child’s health passport, contact your doctor or Public Health for their immunization records and record it on:
- An immunization card
- The CANImmunize App for your iPhone or Android device
Resources
- Immunize BC
Immunization information, materials and resources for parents and health care professionals. - Caring for Kids: Immunization
A parent’s guide to immunization information on the Internet. - HealthLink BC: The benefits of vaccinating your child
Information on why you should consider immunizing your child. - BC Centre for Disease Control: Immunizations and vaccines
Comprehensive information on immunization and vaccines. - World Health Organization: Immunizations
General immunization information, publications, multimedia, policies and statistics. - I Boost Immunity
Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz. - Immunization information on the Internet - Can you trust what you read?
The goal of this fact sheet is to help you decide if vaccine information you find on the Internet is accurate. - Tommy's Force Field
Public health nurse Marilee Hare created this immunization resource to educate children on the importance of getting vaccinated. - Video: I lost my friend to meningitis
A video about the importance of getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease. It only took four days for meningitis to take Leo's life. In B.C., Canada, grade 9 students will be offered a vaccine that prevents deaths like Leo's. - Pregnancy and babies
Fraser Health's web resource on pregnancy and babies.