Where can I get vaccinated for free?
In Canada, free vaccination is available through an extensive network of public and community health facilities. Routine vaccines are funded by provincial governments and provided free of charge to all residents according to provincial immunization schedules.
1. Public health centers
1.1 Public Health Units
The main providers of free vaccinations in all provinces:
- Routine vaccines for children and adults
- School vaccination programs
- Seasonal influenza vaccination
- Travel vaccinations
- Emergency vaccinations during outbreaks
Examples in Ontario (34 units):
- Toronto Public Health (277 Victoria Street)
- Ottawa Public Health (100 Constellation Drive)
- Peel Public Health (7120 Hurontario Street)
- Hamilton Public Health Services (110 King Street West)
Contact information:
- Website: ontario.ca
- Appointment phone number: according to local department
- Consultations: no doctor's referral required
1.2 CLSC (Centres locaux de services communautaires) in Quebec
Network of local primary health care centers:
- Vaccination of children aged 0–4 by nurses
- School vaccinations
- Adult vaccines as prescribed
- Programs for immunocompromised individuals
Appointments:
- Clic Santé (online)
- Phone: 1-877-644-4545 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.)
- Info-Santé (811) — consultations
1.3 Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Public health centers across the province:
- Alberta Vaccine Booking System (online)
- Health Link: 811
- Pharmacies (for individuals aged 5 and older)
- AHS clinics (children aged 6 months to 5 years and family visits)
Example: South Calgary Health Centre
- Tdap every 10 years
- HPV up to age 26
- Pneumococcal for ages 65+
- Annual flu vaccination
- COVID-19 and RSV as recommended
1.4 British Columbia
Regional health authorities, including Vancouver Coastal Health:
Example: Central Community Health Centre
- Address: 132 West Esplanade, North Vancouver
- Phone: (604) 983-6700
Booking:
- gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
- Call center: 1-833-838-2323
- Service BC (in person)
2. Pharmacies and retail chains
2.1 Community pharmacies
Many provinces allow pharmacies to provide free routine vaccines:
| Province | Available vaccines |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Shingles (65+; from September 2025 — 50+), MMR, Tdap, pneumococcal |
| Ontario | COVID-19, influenza, Tdap, pneumococcal, and more at > 4,000 pharmacies |
Walk-in without appointment, convenient hours (weekends), no doctor referral.
3. Family doctors and medical clinics
3.1 Family doctor offices
Immunizations as part of preventive care:
- Integration with medical history
- Personalized recommendations
- Comprehensive approach
- Free for residents with a provincial health card
3.2 Family Health Teams
Multidisciplinary teams:
- Routine immunization
- Catch-up vaccinations for newcomers
- Specialized care for at-risk groups
4. Mass vaccination centers
4.1 Temporary centers
Organized during epidemics or campaigns in:
- Sports arenas
- Convention centers
- Shopping malls
Example (COVID-19, Toronto): 8.8 million doses since January 2021 through mass centers.
4.2 Mobile clinics
Remote and underserved communities:
- Rural areas
- Indigenous communities
- Senior centers
- Workplaces
- Schools and universities
5. Specialized programs and centers
5.1 Community Health Centers
Vaccines for vulnerable groups:
- Newcomers and refugees
- Low-income individuals
- Homeless individuals
- Individuals without health insurance
5.2 Programs for Indigenous peoples
Special initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis:
- Culturally appropriate services
- Additional vaccines as needed
- Transportation assistance
5.3 Travel clinics
Vaccines for international travel (often fee-based) and consultations:
- Canadian Travel Clinics
- Phone: +1-888-672-0005
- Online booking
6. Booking and access systems
| Province | Online booking | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ontario.ca/bookvaccine | 1-833-943-3900 |
| Quebec | Clic Santé | 1-877-644-4545 |
| Alberta | Alberta Vaccine Booking System | 811 |
| British Columbia | gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated | 1-833-838-2323 |
Walk-in clinics: pharmacies, public health centers, walk-in medical facilities.
7. Contact information and resources
- Health Link/Info-Santé (811): 24/7 consultation, Ukrainian language available upon request
- Public Health Agency of Canada: canada.ca/vaccines
- Immunization Partnership Fund: support for 53 organizations with a budget of > $9.5 million
8. Special access conditions
8.1 Newcomers
- Vaccines through public health centers without a provincial card
- Programs for newcomers
8.2 Undocumented individuals
- Free vaccination at public health centers
- Programs for vulnerable groups
Canada's free vaccination system is comprehensive and accessible. Contact your local public health department or dial 811 to find the nearest location to receive the vaccines you need.