Immunization Schedule,
Updated June 2010

Print this page

Immunizations are important for people of all ages. They help your immune system recognize and quickly attack organisms that could otherwise cause serious or even fatal disease. 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 or by a physician. Some workplaces also have occupational health nurses who can give immunizations according to requirements and recommendations of employers.

The schedule below, listing vaccines funded by the province of B.C. for residents, can help you decide 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, pre-school, kindergarten and school. If you are considering not having your child immunized, talk with your public health nurse or doctor first. There are few valid reasons for not having your child immunized.

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. If you are in one of the high-risk groups for whom the annual influenza or pneumococcal vaccine is recommended, make sure you get immunized. If you have questions, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca, see the HealthLink BC Files on Childhood Vaccines or call 8-1-1 for more information.

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

Click here to view a printer friendly version of this table.

a 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.

b Children under 18 years of age and women of child-bearing age who are susceptible to rubella are eligible for two doses, if not previously immunized. Adults 18 years of age and older born after 1956 are eligible for one dose free of charge. For health and childcare workers (including students in these fields) born after 1956, a second dose is provided free.

c Provided free to children, adolescents, and adults who are susceptible (have not had chickenpox) when they visit public health clinics or family physician offices for other reasons.

Children from 12 months to 12 years of age get one dose of the vaccine. People 13 years of age or older get two doses. The second dose is given four weeks after the first dose.

d At this time in Canada, there is no recommendation for boys and men to receive the HPV vaccine. Studies are looking at how the vaccine works in males, and recommendations may change in the future.

Starting in the 2011/12 school year, the HPV vaccine will no longer be offered to girls in grade 9 in the school setting in B.C. These girls will have had an opportunity to receive the vaccine in grade 6.

e A person with a deep dirty wound or bite may need additional tetanus protection after 5 years.

f 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 has a number of high risk programs that provide vaccines free of charge for specific groups within the population, such as people with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. For more information about high risk programs, call your public health unit, doctor, or call 8-1-1.

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

Immunization table developed and reviewed by HealthLink BC, the BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, and the BC Centre for Disease Control.