What vaccines does my family need?

Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives to protect against serious diseases. Find out what vaccines are recommended for adults and children.

How do I find my immunization records?

You can access, download, and print immunization records through Health Gateway.

Health Gateway only shows immunizations that are in the Provincial Immunization Registry; this includes immunizations given at public health clinics and pharmacies in BC. It does not show immunizations given by other health care providers (i.e., family doctors or nurse practitioners) or travel clinics.

Find tips on locating immunization records that are not in Health Gateway on the immunization records page.

Why aren't all vaccines free in B.C.?

In B.C., the Ministry of Health makes decisions to fund vaccine programs based on recommendations from a provincial scientific committee that looks at the following: 

• Statements issued by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization
• The published literature (studies about certain vaccines and diseases)
• The product monograph (information about the vaccine from the manufacturer)
• Provincial epidemiology (how often the disease occurs in different groups of people in the province)
• Available health economic analyses (an analysis of the costs and benefits of the vaccine)

Recommendations for new vaccine programs are then prioritized with other public health initiatives. As a result, not all vaccines approved for use in Canada are funded by the provincial government. 

Where can I buy numbing cream for my child to help reduce pain with immunization?

You can buy numbing creams and patches at your local pharmacy. You do not need a prescription from your health care provider to buy them. Read about numbing creams and patches for immunization.

I didn't immunize my child but have changed my mind. Is it too late to catch up?

For most vaccines, it’s never too late to catch up. There is a catch-up schedule that health care providers use to ensure children are protected as soon as possible.

You can contact your local health unit or community health centre to make an appointment for your child to get caught up. 

If my child missed getting a vaccine, do they need to start the series over again?

No. If your child missed a dose of vaccine, they do not need to start the whole series over again. Your child can pick up where they left off, regardless of the time that has passed between doses. 

Learn where to stay up to date with immunization schedules.

Do vaccines cause side effects?

Vaccines are among the safest medical products available, but like any medicine or supplement (including vitamins), vaccines can cause side effects. Many people who receive vaccines have no side effects at all. For those who do, the side effects are usually minor and only last a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

Are the ingredients in vaccines safe?

Vaccine ingredients have been carefully studied for a long time and are safe in the small amounts used. You may have heard or read that some vaccine ingredients are harmful, but this is true only at much higher amounts than those found in vaccines. Any substance, even water, can be harmful at a high dose. Find more information on vaccine ingredients. 

I am temporarily in another province. Can I get the HPV vaccine for free?

There is an agreement across Canada to provide immunization services to any out-of-province visitor according to that province’s immunization schedule. That means if you are eligible for the HPV vaccine in the province you are in, you would be able to get it for free. You can check with the local public health unit about eligibility.

Learn more about the HPV vaccine and B.C.'s HPV vaccine program.

I got the full HPV2 or HPV4 vaccine series. Should I get the HPV9 vaccine too?

The HPV9 vaccine protects against more types of HPV than the HPV2 or HPV4 vaccines. If you’re still at risk of getting HPV, you might benefit from a dose of HPV9 for protection against additional types of HPV. This isn't routinely recommended for everyone, but your health care provider can help you decide if it's right for you.

This dose is not free for most people and must be purchased. The HPV9 vaccine is available at many pharmacies and travel clinics. Some private health plans may cover the cost.

Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?

It is best to get immunized before becoming sexually active and coming in contact with HPV because the vaccines prevent infection but do not clear it. However, a person can still benefit from immunization if they are already sexually active. This is because the likelihood they have been exposed to all types of HPV contained in the vaccine is low.

Learn more about the HPV vaccine and who the vaccine is recommended for.

Why are HPV vaccines given at such a young age?

HPV vaccines are routinely given in Grade 6 for two reasons:

1. Preteens make more antibodies after getting the vaccine than older teens or adults. This provides long-lasting protection against HPV
2. The vaccine is best given before sexual activity begins and before any exposure to HPV

Anyone who engages in any kind of sexual activity involving oral or genital contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to get infected.

Do HPV vaccines promote earlier sexual activity?

There is no evidence that being vaccinated against HPV encourages earlier sexual activity. In fact, a study published in October 2018 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that since the implementation of the school-based HPV vaccination program in B.C., sexual risk behaviours reported by adolescent girls have either reduced or stayed the same. These findings contribute evidence against any association between HPV vaccination and risky sexual behaviours.

Can the HPV vaccine cause infertility?

Extensive research has shown no evidence that the HPV vaccine can cause infertility. However, treatment for some cancers caused by HPV can affect fertility.

I’m over 26 and not in a high-risk group. Can I still get the HPV vaccine?

Yes. The HPV vaccine is approved for use in people aged 9 to 45. If you're between 27 and 45, talk to your health care provider to see if the vaccine is right for you. You may still benefit from vaccination, even if you're already sexually active. In some cases, the vaccine may also be considered for people over 45 based on individual risk.

The vaccine is not publicly funded for most people over 26 in B.C. and would need to be purchased, though some private health plans may cover the cost.