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BC Immunization Schedule
Updated January 2012
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Immunizations 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 schedule 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. 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.

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. If you have questions, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca, see the HealthLink BC Files on Disease Prevention, call 8-1-1 for more information, or visit www.immunizebc.ca.

* Note: 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.

Click on the image to the left to see a full-size version of the Routine Immunization Schedule.

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  1. The PCV 13 vaccine replaced the PCV 7 vaccine in June 2010. For more information, see HealthLink BC File #62a Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 13) Vaccine.
  2. 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 need 2 doses of the vaccine. The second dose needs to be given at least 6 months after the first dose.
  3. 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.
  4. Provided free to children, adolescents, and adults who have not received the vaccine and have not had chickenpox disease after their first birthday. People 13 years of age or older need 2 doses of the vaccine. The second dose is given 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose.
  5. 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 vaccinated at no cost.
    Although the HPV vaccine, Gardasil™, is only provided free to eligible girls in B.C., the vaccine has been approved for use in females 9 to 45 years of age and males 9 to 25 years of age. Contact your health care provider for more information.
  6. A person with a deep dirty wound or bite may need a dose of tetanus vaccine if it has been 5 or more years since they received their last dose of vaccine.
  7. Annual influenza vaccination 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. For a complete list, see HealthLink BC File #12d Influenza (Flu) Vaccine.

* 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 public health unit or doctor, or call 8-1-1 for more information.

Note: The vaccine schedule can change. Speak with your public health nurse or doctor, or call 8-1-1 if you have questions.

Immunization table developed and reviewed by HealthLink BC, BC Ministry of Health, and BC Centre for Disease Control.