How to get vaccinated

If my child is behind on vaccinations, can we catch up?

Yes. You get the most protection for your child by vaccinating according to the schedule. But it's never too late to catch up.

Doctors have designed the vaccine schedule to help your baby and young child develop the best possible protection. And the sooner vaccines begin, the sooner their protection kicks in.

If you've fallen behind, it means there has been a period when your child doesn't have the protection they need, and is vulnerable to infection.

By talking to your doctor or a public health nurse right away, you can get back on track — and start protecting your child as soon as possible. 

It's just like: Realizing you've been keeping poisonous cleaning chemicals in a cupboard your child can reach. The important thing now is to move those chemicals out of harm's way immediately, so your child won't be at any further risk.

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How can I find out what vaccinations my child has had?

It depends on who gave your child the vaccinations, and where.

  • If it was your family doctor, call their office and ask for a copy of your child's immunization record.
  • If it was a BC public nurse, use our health unit finder to get the health unit's contact information, then get in touch and ask them for a copy of your child's records.
  • If you immigrated to Canada, you will probably have a copy of your child's vaccination history in your paperwork.
  • If you came to Canada as a refugee, you might not have any documentation of the immunizations your child received in your home country. Talk to your family doctor, a public health nurse or a clinic that specializes in circumstances like yours (for instance, the Bridge Community Health Clinic) about the immunizations you need.
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Where do I go to get my child immunized?

Your family doctor can give you your child's pre-school immunizations, or you can visit your nearest public health unit.

Schools provide immunizations to children in Grade 6 and Grade 9. Your child's school will send a consent form to you before scheduling the school clinic, and they'll also send home a record of any immunizations they give to your child.

If you aren't sure what immunizations your child received in school, contact the health unit closest to your child's school to ask.

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Do adults need to be immunized too?

Although many people don't know it, adults need to get vaccines, too — to protect your health, and to keep you from spreading diseases to your family, friends and co-workers.

  • Some of these vaccines are "booster" doses, because some vaccines you had when you were younger don't provide long-term protection. For example, you should have a diphtheria/tetanus vaccine every 10 years.
  • Other vaccines protect you against viruses or bacteria that change over time. New strains of flu viruses arrive every year, which is why adults get an annual flu shot.
  • And as you get older, your risk rises for certain diseases such as shingles, and vaccines become important.
  • Finally, adults or children who are travelling overseas may need immunizations against diseases they may encounter. Talk to your health provider or visit a travel medicine clinic two to three months before you leave.

More information

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