School-Age Children & Teens
What vaccines do school-age children and teens need and when?
As your child gets older, they are at risk for new and different diseases that can be prevented with vaccines. Also, protection from some vaccines that they received at a younger age can wear off, so booster doses are needed to provide continued protection.
In B.C., school-age children and teens are offered vaccines in Grade 6 and Grade 9. Click on the tabs below to expand and view the vaccine schedule for school-age children and teens by grade.
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
- Hepatitis B vaccine (children who have had 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine at a younger age do not need the vaccine)
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine may be offered to students in Grade 6 who have not had two doses of the vaccine. Most grade 6 students would have had 1 dose of the vaccine on or just after their 1st birthday and a second dose with their MMRV at 4-6 years of age. Grade 6 students who have never had the vaccine should get 2 doses. People who had chickenpox or shingles disease at 1 year of age or older do not need to get the vaccine if the disease was confirmed by a lab test.
- 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 healthcare 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. Find information on travel vaccines.
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 people 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 about reducing pain, stress, and anxiety in school-age children and teens.
Keeping track of your child's vaccinations
It's important to keep a record of your child's vaccinations. Learn more about vaccine records.
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.