School-Age Children & Teens
In B.C., school-age children and teens are offered vaccines in Grade 6 and Grade 9. As your child gets older, they are at risk for new and different diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Also, some vaccines that they received at a younger age can wear off, so booster doses are needed to provide continued protection.
B.C.'s routine vaccine schedule for school-age children & teens
- Grade 6
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The following vaccines are routinely offered to Grade 6 students:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine (children who have had two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, or who have had chickenpox disease or shingles after one year of age do not need the vaccine)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (children who have had 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine at a younger age do not need the vaccine)
- Grade 9
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The following vaccines are routinely offered to all students in Grade 9:
Learn more about Grade 9 immunizations in B.C. here.
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Other vaccines available for purchase
In addition to routine vaccines, your child may benefit from getting other vaccines that you can purchase. These vaccines can give your child extra protection against certain diseases. Talk to your health care provider to find out if your child has all the protection they need.
If you’re travelling, your child may need travel vaccines to protect them against diseases that are rare in Canada, but common in other parts of the world. You can find information on travel vaccines here.
You can purchase vaccines from travel health clinics, most pharmacies, and some doctors’ offices.
Where can my school-age child or teen get vaccines?
Most of the time, the vaccines are given by public health nurses at clinics held at schools; however, some school-age children and teens may also get vaccines at a health unit, doctor's office, or pharmacy.
Reducing pain, stress, and anxiety with vaccinations
Vaccines can cause some pain, stress, and anxiety for children of all ages. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can be used before and during the appointment to help reduce pain, stress, and anxiety with vaccinations. Learn more here.
Keeping track of your child's vaccinations
It's important to keep a record of your child's vaccinations. Learn more here.
Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation
Starting in the 2019/20 school year, parents and guardians will be expected to provide Public Health with immunization records for students enrolled in the provincial school system. Use the Vaccination Status Indicator to find out whether Public Health has your child’s immunization record. This tool does not provide specific information about your child's immunizations.
Learn more about the Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation here.