Date last reviewed:
Monday, Sep 23, 2024
Children are offered routine vaccines at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18 months of age, at kindergarten entry, and in school. Starting at 6 months, they are also routinely offered the influenza (flu) vaccine yearly and the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended. Routine vaccines are free.
Review the tabs below or the immunization schedule to find out what vaccines are recommended for your child based on their age.
Infants and young children
- 2 months
-
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) vaccine.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
- Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine.
- Rotavirus vaccine.
Read the HealthLinkBCFile: Immunizations at 2 months of age.
- 4 months
-
- 6 months
-
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) vaccine.
- Hepatitis A vaccine (for Indigenous children only).
- 12 months
-
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
- Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine.
Read the HealthLinkBCFile: Immunizations at 12 months of age.
- 18 months
-
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTap-IPV-Hib) vaccine.
- Hepatitis A vaccine (for Indigenous children only).
- Yearly
-
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (starting at 6 months of age during influenza season). A second dose is needed 4 weeks after the first if receiving the vaccine for the first time.
- As recommended
-
- COVID-19 vaccine (starting at 6 months of age).
Kindergarten-age children
- 4 - 6 years (kindergarten entry)
-
- Yearly
-
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (during influenza season). A second dose is needed 4 weeks after the first if receiving the vaccine for the first time.
- As recommended
-
School-age children & teens
- Grade 6
-
Read the HealthLinkBC File: Grade 6 Immunizations in BC.
Your child may be offered other vaccines if they have not had all doses of the recommended vaccines they are eligible for.For more information on grade 6 vaccines, including catch-up vaccines, informed consent, and more, read the BCCDC handout: Recommended vaccines for Grade 6 students in BC. - Grade 9
-
Read the HealthLinkBC File: Grade 9 Immunizations in BC.
Your child may be offered other vaccines if they have not had all doses of the recommended vaccines they are eligible for.
For more information on grade 9 vaccines, including catch-up vaccines, informed consent, and more, read the BCCDC handout: Recommended vaccines for Grade 9 students in BC.
- Yearly
-
- Influenza (flu) vaccine (during influenza season). Children under 9 years of age who have never had an influenza vaccine need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
- As recommended
-
Children with medical conditions
Children with certain medical conditions may need additional vaccines or additional doses of vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about what vaccines your child may need.
Travel vaccines
When travelling outside of Canada, your family may be at risk of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in Canada. It's important to get all the recommended and required vaccines for the countries your family plans to visit. Find more information on travel vaccines.
Vaccines for extra protection
In addition to the free routine 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, make an appointment for them to get caught up. Learn where children can get immunized.
