Vaccinations help to keep children healthy by training their immune systems to fight germs. A vaccine contains a tiny amount of a weakened or inactive germ. It aids in teaching the body how to recognize and stop the real germ later without your child becoming seriously ill. This protection helps to prevent dangerous diseases like measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio. Canada monitors vaccines for safety and updates schedules so kids get the right shots at the right time. Learn more on the Vaccines and immunization portal and in the Parent’s Guide to Vaccination.
Canada.ca: Vaccines and immunization; Parent’s Guide to Vaccination (PHAC)
How Vaccines Work and How They’re Given
Your child’s immune system is a smart defense network. Vaccines help to train it by building antibodies and immune memory. Most childhood vaccines are quick needles in the arm or thigh. Some are oral drops (like rotavirus). Combination vaccines reduce the number of injections by helping to protect against several diseases in one shot. Common side effects are usually mild and can include a sore arm or a low fever. These side effects usually pass quickly. Canada carefully monitors any safety signals.
The Childhood Vaccine Timeline
Canada follows a staged schedule in infancy, preschool, and the early teen years. Exact timing can vary by province or territory, so always check your local schedule and the national schedule tool.
| Infancy | IPV-Hib + Hep B | IPV-Hib: Polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b./ Hep B: Hepatitis B infection. |
| Pneumococcal (2, 4, 12 months) | Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. | |
| Rotavirus (2, 4 months) | Severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus. | |
| Influenza (annually from 6 months) | Seasonal flu strains. | |
| MMR (12 months) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | |
| Varicella (12–18 months) | Chickenpox | |
| Meningococcal C (12 months) | Meningitis | |
| Age 4–6 years | Tdap-IPV booster + MMR-Var | Tdap-IPV: Booster for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. MMR-Var: Second dose for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. |
| Grade 6–7 | HPV series (2–3 doses) | Human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical, neck and other cancers. |
| Grade 8–9 | Tdap booster + Meningococcal ACYW-135 | ACYW-135: Protects against meningitis caused by four strains (A, C, Y, W-135). |
If your child missed a shot, catch-up plans are available. You do not need to restart completed doses. You can simply continue from where you left off.
Provincial and Territorial Differences
While all jurisdictions follow national guidance, the exact vaccines used and the timing of doses can differ. To stay accurate, use the Public Health Agency of Canada’s page that summarizes each province and territory’s routine and catch-up schedules. These resources are updated regularly.
Catch-Up Shots: It’s Never Too Late
Missed appointments happen. The Canadian Immunization Guide explains that you generally do not restart a vaccine series if it’s interrupted. You can usually complete any remaining doses on a catch-up schedule. Schools and public health units often provide catch-up opportunities, especially around Grade 8–9, for vaccines like HPV, meningococcal, hepatitis A/B, and second doses of MMR or varicella.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before vaccinating, the health care provider reviews your child’s age and records. They explain which shots are recommended, answer your questions, and check for any reasons to delay (such as a high fever). After the vaccine, you may wait a short time for observation. Minor illness, like a mild cold, usually aren’t a reason to postpone.
Why On-Time Vaccination Matters
Being up to date helps to protect your child from illness, missed school, and potential complications. High vaccination coverage also protects infants, people with weak immune systems, and others who cannot be vaccinated. This is called community protection or herd immunity. When more people are vaccinated outbreaks are less likely.
