Immunizations protect us from serious and potentially fatal infections and diseases like polio, diphtheria, measles and rubella. Immunizations also make it harder for disease to spread, helping build a circle of protection around an entire community.
You can get free routine immunizations at many Vancouver Coastal Health clinics and community health centres. Your family doctor can also provide immunizations. Travel and additional vaccines for purchase are available through travel clinics and most pharmacies.
The latest news and resources to stay safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.
After care sheet for COVID-19 vaccine recipients
01 Nov, 2021
Please complete and return this form when registering your child for a child care facility.
11 Apr, 2019
Please complete and return this form when registering your child for school.
11 Apr, 2019
Key websites and links to get protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.
10 Oct, 2018
Download our simplified schedules or visit HealthLinkBC and ImmunizeBC for all ages and details.
01 Oct, 2018
Keep track of your or your child's immunizations. It's an important record to keep for life.
01 Oct, 2018
The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends many vaccines for adults, some of which are given free in BC.
01 Jul, 2018
Brochure in multiple languages to learn about common side effects, when to seek help, and more.
01 Jun, 2018
All BC children are offered free vaccine protection against many harmful vaccine-preventable diseases.
01 May, 2018
Starting at age 4, all children should get vaccines to protect against deadly disease
01 Oct, 2016
This brochure gives answers to all your immunization questions, and why it's an importance choice for your child.
01 Oct, 2015
Use this passport to record important health information
01 Aug, 2013
Registered nurse Karen Kroeker with the IMPACT Surveillance System at BC's Children's Hospital in Vancouver
31 May, 2012
This brochure is available in multiple languages.
01 Mar, 2009
What you need to know about childhood immunizations.
31 Dec, 2008
Vaccines work by stimulating our immune system to produce antibodies that fight infection. The antibodies produced are the same as those that occur when we get a natural infection, but without us having to experience the illness. This helps prevent us from becoming ill if we are exposed to diseases in the future.
Most vaccines need more than one dose over time to produce full protection. That’s why it’s important to follow immunization schedules. It gives the best protection with the fewest doses of each vaccine.
ImmunizeBC has easy-to-read vaccine schedules for all ages, as well as immunization record cards.
There is also a free mobile app that can help you keep track of immunizations: CANImmunize.ca
Vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. This myth has lasted even though research clearly shows it’s not true. Hundreds of thousands of immunized children have been studied over many years and no link to autism has been found. A study that suggested a possible link was proven to be false.
Vaccines keep us safe by stimulating our immune system to produce antibodies that fight infection. The antibodies produced are the same as those that occur when we get a natural infection, but without us having to experience the illness. This helps prevent us from becoming ill if we are exposed to diseases in the future.
For some vaccines, booster shots are needed because some antibodies reduce in numbers over time. The booster shot reminds your immune system to make more antibodies.
No. Your child’s immune system is amazing. In theory, a baby’s immune system can handle hundreds of vaccines at once. Disease weakens the immune system, not vaccines.
Yes, having a cold is not a reason to delay shots. Your child’s immune system works so well that they can get all their shots even if they are teething, have a fever, diarrhea, ear infection or are taking antibiotics.
Evidence-based immunization information and tools for B.C. residents.
Get easy-to-understand fact sheets, translation support, and more.
We monitor communicable diseases, investigate outbreaks, and distribute vaccines across the region.
