Date last reviewed:
Friday, Jul 07, 2023
In BC, children and teens are offered free vaccines to protect them against 15 diseases. Find out what vaccines your child should receive and at what age. Some vaccines require more than one dose to produce immunity and long-lasting protection.
Information
COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older to help protect against severe COVID-19. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines.
Immunization is the best way to protect your child against many dangerous diseases. Your child should get all the recommended vaccines on time for the best protection.
At 2 months of age, your baby should get the following vaccines:
At 4 months of age, your baby should get the following vaccines:
At 6 months of age, your baby should get the following vaccines:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) vaccine.
- Hepatitis A vaccine (for Indigenous children only).
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (all children 6 months and older need an influenza vaccine yearly).
At 12 months of age, your child should get the following vaccines:
At 18 months of age, your child should get the following vaccine:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTap-IPV-Hib).
- Hepatitis A vaccine (for Indigenous children only).
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (yearly).
Starting at age 4 (kindergarten entry), your child should get the following vaccines:
In grade 6, your child should get the following vaccines:
Your child may be offered other vaccines if they have not had all doses of the recommended vaccines they are eligible for.
In grade 9, your child should get the following vaccines:
- Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (yearly).
Your child may be offered other vaccines if they have not had all doses of the recommended vaccines they are eligible for.
Children with medical conditions
Children with certain medical conditions may need additional vaccines or additional doses of vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about what vaccines your child may need.
Vaccines for extra protection
In addition to the free vaccines your child is offered, there are other vaccines you can buy. These vaccines can help protect your child against even more diseases. Find information on vaccines for extra protection.
It's not too late to catch up
If your child missed a vaccine, call your local health unit or doctor's office to make an appointment for your child to get caught up. You don't need to start over if your child misses a vaccine.
