Childhood Vaccinations in Canada: What Parents Should Know

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious infectious diseases. Canada\'s publicly funded immunization programs vary by province but follow national guidelines. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends routine childhood vaccines for diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus (HPV, typically grade 7). Vaccines are administered at specific ages. The schedule begins at 2 months and continues through adolescence. Your physician or public health unit can provide the schedule specific to your province. All routine childhood vaccines are publicly funded in Canada. There is no cost for vaccines included in provincial schedules. Some optional vaccines (such as travel vaccines) may have costs. Vaccines are safe. Major adverse events are extremely rare. Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild fussiness - these typically resolve within 1 to 2 days. If your child has missed scheduled vaccines, it is not too late to catch up. Your physician can create a catch-up schedule. Record your child\'s vaccines in their personal immunization record. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.