B.C. Immunization Schedules
Click on the following links to view individual immunization schedules
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. Some immunizations are given in a single shot or oral dose, while others require several doses over a period of time. In B.C., immunizations are given by public health nurses in your local public health unit and by doctors, pharmacists and nurses in private travel and vaccine clinics. Some workplaces also have occupational health nurses who can give immunizations according to requirements and recommendations of employers.
The need for immunizations does not end with childhood. Thousands of people are hospitalized, and many die, as a result of influenza and other diseases that can be prevented by immunization. By getting immunized, you protect yourself and others as well.
Be sure to keep complete records of immunizations for you and your family. A child's immunization record is usually requested when he or she is registered to enter day care, preschool, kindergarten, school and certain programs in post-secondary institutions. If you have any questions about immunizations, speak with your health care provider.
There are vaccines that are not available free to the public but are important for preventing serious illness or death. Speak with your health care provider for information about these vaccines.
The schedules below, listing vaccines provided free to residents of B.C., can help you determine when you or your family needs to be immunized. 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.
Infants and Children
This schedule lists all vaccines that are provided free to children in British Columbia who are between the ages of 0 and 6.
Printable PDF version - Infants and Children B.C. Immunization Schedule
Click on the vaccine name to see additional information for each vaccine.
| Vaccine | ||||||
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| Vaccine | 2 Months |
4 Months |
6 Months |
12 Months |
18 Months |
4-6 Years |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine | ||||||
| Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine |
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| Children who have had chickenpox or shingles disease at 1 year of age or older do not need the chickenpox vaccine. | ||||||
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) Vaccine | ||||||
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) Vaccine |
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| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio (DTaP-IPV) Vaccine | ||||||
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio (DTaP-IPV) Vaccine |
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| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae Type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) Vaccine | ||||||
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae Type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) Vaccine |
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| Hepatitis A Vaccine | ||||||
| Hepatitis A Vaccine |
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The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to Aboriginal children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years living both on-reserve and off-reserve. Infants will receive the first dose at 6 months of age and the second dose at 18 months of age. Older children and adolescents who have not been immunized also need 2 doses of the vaccine. The second dose needs to be given at least 6 months after the first dose. The immunization indicated at 4-6 years of age is for children who did not receive the vaccine as infants.
Additional Resources: HealthLinkBC File | Product Monograph 1 | Product Monograph 2 | Product Monograph 3 (close) |
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| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine | ||||||
| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine |
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| Annual influenza immunization is recommended for children 6 months to 4 years of age. For children receiving the vaccine for the first time, a second dose is recommended 4 weeks after the first dose. | ||||||
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine | ||||||
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine |
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| Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C) Vaccine | ||||||
| Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C) Vaccine |
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| Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 13) Vaccine | ||||||
| Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 13) Vaccine |
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| The PCV 13 vaccine replaced the PCV 7 vaccine in June 2010. | ||||||
| Rotavirus Vaccine | ||||||
| Rotavirus Vaccine |
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School Age Children
This schedule lists all vaccines that are provided free to children in British Columbia who are in grades 6 and 9.
Printable PDF version - School Age Children B.C. Immunization Schedule
Click on the vaccine name to see additional information for each vaccine.
| Vaccine | Grade 6 |
Grade 9 |
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| Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine |
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| The chickenpox vaccine is offered to students in grade 6 who did not receive 2 doses when they were younger. It is not necessary for those who had chickenpox or shingles disease at 1 year of age or older to get the vaccine. | ||
| Hepatitis B Vaccine |
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| Children who were not previously immunized or did not complete their infant hepatitis B vaccine series will be offered hepatitis B vaccine for free in grade 6. | ||
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine |
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| The HPV vaccine, Gardasil™, is provided free to girls in grade 6. Girls born in 1994 or later who were eligible for the HPV vaccine but did not receive it may contact their local health unit to get immunized at no cost. | ||
| Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C) Vaccine |
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| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine |
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Adults, Seniors and Individuals at High Risk
This schedule lists all the vaccines that are provided free to adults who are 18 years of age or older and who were not immunized in childhood. It also lists the recommended vaccines for those who are in high risk groups, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.
Printable PDF version - Adults, Seniors and Individuals at High Risk B.C. Immunization Schedule
Click on the vaccine name to see additional information for each vaccine.
| Vaccine | Adult | 65 Years and Over |
High Risk Program |
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| Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine |
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The chickenpox vaccine is available as a series of 2 doses to adults who have not been immunized or do not have evidence of immunity to chickenpox. The second dose is given at least 6 weeks after the first dose. Those who had chickenpox before their 1st birthday, should still get the vaccine as they may not have developed a long lasting immunity and could get chickenpox again. However, it is not necessary for those who had chickenpox or shingles at 1 year of age or older to get the vaccine. |
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| Hepatitis A Vaccine |
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The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to Aboriginal children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years living both on-reserve and off-reserve. High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. Additional Resources: HealthLinkBC File | Product Monograph 1 | Product Monograph 2 | Product Monograph 3 (close) |
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| Hepatitis B Vaccine |
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The hepatitis B vaccine is provided free to people born in 1980 or later who have never received the vaccine or have not received the recommended number of doses for their age. High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. |
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| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine |
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Annual influenza immunization is recommended for people at high risk of serious illness from influenza and people able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza. High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. Additional Resources: HealthLinkBC File | Product Monograph 1 | Product Monograph 2 | Product Monograph 3 (close) |
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| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine |
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| Anyone born after 1956 that has not been immunized or does not have immunity to measles, mumps and rubella should get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. | |||
| Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C) Vaccine |
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The Men-C vaccine is available for free to adults born in 1988 or later. High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. |
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| Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 13) Vaccine |
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The PCV 13 vaccine replaced the PCV 7 vaccine in June 2010.
High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. |
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| Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine |
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Those 65 years of age or older only need the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 1 time. High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. |
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| Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine |
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Adults should get Td vaccine every 10 years. This is a booster dose for those who received a tetanus vaccine before. This dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to give better protection against tetanus and diphtheria. The booster dose may be given as early as 5 years after a previous dose of tetanus vaccine to people with serious cuts or deep wounds. The vaccine can also be given to adults who have not been immunized, have not received the recommended number of doses or do not have a record of prior immunization. |
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| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine |
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| High Risk Program: British Columbia provides many vaccines free of charge to some groups of people, such as those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. Contact your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 for more information. | |||
Full B.C. Immunization Schedule
This PDF combines all of the information in the individual schedules listed above.
Printable PDF version - Full B.C. Immunization Schedule
Note: The vaccine schedules can change. Speak with your health care provider, or call 8-1-1 if you have questions. Immunization tables developed and reviewed by HealthLink BC, BC Ministry of Health, and BC Centre for Disease Control.
Last updated: December 2012
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ImmunizeBC works to improve the health of British Columbians and reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases by providing 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.
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