Canada's vaccination system provides free protection for children against serious infectious diseases through provincial and territorial immunization programs. Although schedules may vary between provinces, all Canadian children have access to comprehensive vaccination from birth to adolescence.
1. General vaccination system in Canada
National structure
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides recommendations on the use of vaccines in Canada, but each province and territory determines its own optimal schedule based on these recommendations, local data, and evidence. All recommended childhood vaccines are provided free of charge regardless of province of residence.
Key vaccination milestones
Children are usually vaccinated at the following ages:
- Birth to 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 4–6 years
2. Detailed vaccination schedule by age
Infants (0–12 months)
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 2 months | - Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB) - Pneumococcal conjugate - Rotavirus |
| 4 months | Repeat all vaccines from 2 months |
| 6 months | - DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB (third dose in some provinces) - Pneumococcal (some provinces) - Influenza (annually from 6 months) |
| 12 months | - Pneumococcal (booster) - Meningococcal conjugate (Men-C-C) - MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) |
Toddlers (12–24 months)
- 15 months: Varicella (Ontario) or combined MMRV
- 18 months: DTaP-IPV-Hib (booster) and/or varicella (British Columbia)
Preschool age (4–6 years)
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4–6 years:
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Buster DTaP-IPV or Tdap-IPV
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Second dose of MMRV or separately MMR + varicella
School age
| Grade | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Grades 6–7 | - HPV (2 doses) - Hepatitis B (if not previously received) - Meningococcal conjugate |
| Grade 9 | - Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) - Meningococcal ACWY |
3. Provincial differences in schedules
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Ontario: mandatory vaccination for school (DTaP, IPV, MMR, Men-C, and varicella for those born in 2010+).
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Quebec: optimized schedule (2, 4, and 12 months instead of 6).
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Alberta: widely uses hexavalent vaccines.
4. Mandatory vaccines for school attendance
| Province | Mandatory vaccinations |
|---|---|
| Ontario | DTaP, IPV, MMR, Men-C (up to 12 years), Men-ACWY (12+), Varicella (2010+) |
| New Brunswick | DTaP, IPV, MMR |
| Manitoba | Measles (micro) |
Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons (formal procedures).
5. Vaccine safety and side effects
Common side effects (1–3 days)
-
Mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
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Mild fever, fussiness, drowsiness, muscle aches
Serious reactions (very rare)
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Hives
Seek medical attention immediately if serious reactions occur.
6. Documentation and record keeping
- Personal immunization record
- Medical record with your provider
- Provincial/territorial registry
Records should include:
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Name of vaccine, date, dose, location, and route of administration
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Batch number, expiry date
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Who administered the vaccination
7. Catch-up vaccination
- Do not restart the series; follow the recommended intervals.
- Use simultaneous administration of vaccines when permitted.
8. Special groups and situations
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Newcomers to Canada: Consider unvaccinated — start the schedule over.
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Immunocompromised children: May skip live vaccines; surroundings must be fully immunized.
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Travel: additional vaccines as recommended by a travel clinic.
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9. Where to get vaccinated
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Family doctor
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Public health centers (CLSC in Quebec)
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School programs
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Pharmacies (for certain age groups)
10. Tips for parents
- Prepare notes and a list of questions before your visit.
- Support your child during the injection: reassure and distract them.
- Stay for 15 minutes after the vaccination for observation.
- Update your immunization record.
Following this schedule and working closely with healthcare professionals will ensure that your child is well protected against serious diseases in Canada.