Immunization Schedule,
Effective January 1, 2007

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Immunizations are important for people of all ages. They help your immune system recognize and quickly attack organisms that could otherwise cause serious or even fatal disease. Some immunizations are given in a single shot or oral dose, while others require several doses over a period of time. In BC, immunizations are given by public health nurses in your local public health unit or by a physician. Some workplaces also have occupational health nurses who can give immunizations according to requirements and recommendations of employers.

The schedule below, listing vaccines funded by the province of BC for residents, can help you decide when you or your family needs to be immunized. There is no need to delay immunizations because of colds or other minor illnesses, but when in doubt, discuss your concerns first with your health care provider. Be sure to keep complete records of immunizations for you and your family. A child's immunization record is usually requested when he or she is registered to enter day care, pre-school, kindergarten and school. If you are considering not having your child immunized, talk with your public health nurse or doctor first. There are few valid reasons for not having your child immunized.

The need for immunizations does not end with childhood. Thousands of people are hospitalized, and many die, as a result of influenza and other diseases that can be prevented by immunization. If you are in one of the high-risk groups for whom the annual influenza or pneumococcal vaccine is recommended, make sure you get immunized. If you have questions, check the BC HealthFiles or call the BC NurseLine for more information.

Routine Immunization Schedule

Age Group Vaccine

2 Mon.

4 Mon.

6 Mon.

12 Mon.

18 Mon.

4-6 Years

Grade 6

Grade 9

Grade 12

Adult

65 Years and Over

High Risk Program *

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae type b (DTap/IPV /Hib)

Pneumococcal Conjugate Children born on or after July 1, 2003, are eligible

*

Hepatitis B Children born on or after Jan. 1, 2001, are eligible

Began 1992

*

Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) a

Meningococcal C Conjugate Vaccine

For those born on or after Apr 1, 2005- 2 doses ( 2 and 12 months )

For those born on or after July 1, 2002

Began Sept. 2003

For the 2005 - 06 and 2006 - 07 school years only

*

Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine If susceptible (have not had chicken pox)b

For those born on or after Jan. 1, 2004

Catch up for 18 - 47 months old starting Apr. 1 2006, for one year only

Began Sept. 2004

Began Sept. 2004

*

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio (DTap/IPV)

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) Booster Every 10 years c

Influenza Vaccine d

for infants 6 to 23 months

for infants 6 to 23 months

for infants 6 to 23 months

(annual)

*

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

(one time only)

*

a Children under 18 years of age and women of child-bearing age who are susceptible to rubella are eligible for two doses, if not previously immunized. Adults 18 years of age and older born after 1956 are eligible for one dose free of charge. For health and childcare workers (including students in these fields) born after 1956, a second dose is provided free.

b Provided free to children, adolescents, and adults when they visit public health clinics or family physician offices for other reasons.

c A person with a deep dirty wound or bite may need additional tetanus protection after 5 years.

d Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for: people 65 and over, health care workers, emergency responders, people with chronic health conditions, infants 6 to 23 months of age, household contacts and caregivers of infants 0 to 23 months of age, inmates of provincial correctional institutions, people working with live poultry or swine (due to potential animal infection with avian or swine infuenza), and pregnant women in their 3rd trimester who will deliver during the flu season.

* High Risk Program: British Columbia has a number of high risk programs that provide vaccines free of change for specific groups within the population, such as people with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. For more information about high risk programs, call you doctor, public health unit, or the BC NurseLine.

Note: The vaccine schedule can change. Talk to your doctor, public health nurse, or the BC NurseLine if you have questions.

Immunization table developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Last updated January 1, 2007.