Childhood Vaccination Schedule and Requirements for Newcomers (2026)

Keeping your children up to date on vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do as a newcomer parent in Canada. Not only do vaccines protect your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, but many provinces also require proof of immunization for school entry. If your child received vaccinations in your home country, you will need to provide records and may need to get additional doses to meet Canadian standards.

This guide covers the Canadian childhood vaccination schedule for 2026, provincial requirements for school entry, how to transfer immunization records from abroad, and where to access free vaccines for your children. Whether your child is an infant, a toddler, or a school-aged student, this information will help you navigate the system confidently.

Canada's Recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) publishes a recommended immunization schedule that provinces and territories follow, sometimes with slight variations. The following vaccines are recommended for all children in Canada:

At 2 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB — Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B (combination vaccine)
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15 or PCV20)
• Rotavirus (oral vaccine)

At 4 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB — Second dose
• Pneumococcal conjugate — Second dose
• Rotavirus — Second dose

At 6 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB — Third dose
• Rotavirus — Third dose (if using RotaTeq)
• Influenza — First dose (two doses recommended for children receiving flu vaccine for the first time, given 4 weeks apart)

At 12 Months

• MMR — Measles, mumps, rubella (first dose)
• Varicella — Chickenpox (first dose, or combined MMRV)
• Pneumococcal conjugate — Booster dose
• Meningococcal conjugate (Men-C-C)

At 15 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib — Booster (fourth dose)

At 18 Months

• MMRV or MMR + Varicella — Second doses
• Hepatitis A — Some provinces include this at 18 months

At 4 to 6 Years (School Entry)

• DTaP-IPV — Booster (fifth dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio)

Grade 7 (Approximately Age 12)

• HPV vaccine — Human papillomavirus (typically two doses)
• Meningococcal conjugate (Men-C-ACYW) — Booster
• Hepatitis B — If not given in infancy (varies by province)

At 14 to 16 Years

• Tdap — Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster

For the most current and detailed schedule, refer to the Government of Canada's provincial and territorial immunization schedule page.

Provincial School Entry Requirements

Several provinces require proof of immunization for children to attend school or daycare. Here are the key rules by province:

Ontario

Ontario has among the strictest immunization requirements in Canada under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Children must be immunized against the following diseases to attend school: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, whooping cough, and varicella. Parents must submit an immunization record to their local public health unit. Exemptions are available for medical reasons or on the grounds of conscience or religious belief, but require a formal affidavit.

British Columbia

BC does not have a mandatory school immunization law, but schools report immunization status to regional health authorities. Children who are not fully immunized may be excluded from school during disease outbreaks.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick requires proof of immunization for school entry under the Education Act. Required vaccines include DTaP, polio, MMR, and varicella.

Manitoba

Manitoba requires immunization for school attendance and operates a catch-up program through public health offices for newcomer children.

Transferring Immunization Records from Your Home Country

If your children received vaccinations in your home country, it is critical to bring those records to Canada. Here is what you need to do:

1. Bring original records — Carry your child's immunization booklet or certificate from your home country. Ideally, have it translated into English or French by a certified translator.
2. Visit your local public health unit — After arriving, bring the records to your local public health office. A public health nurse will review them and determine which Canadian-schedule vaccines your child still needs.
3. Get a Canadian immunization record — Your public health unit will create a Canadian immunization record based on your documentation and any additional vaccines administered.
4. Provide records to schools — Once your child's record is updated, submit it to their school as required by your province.

If you don't have any records, don't panic. Your doctor or public health nurse may recommend restarting certain vaccine series, as it is safe to receive additional doses even if previously immunized. Blood tests (serology) can sometimes confirm immunity for certain diseases, avoiding the need for re-vaccination.

Where to Get Your Children Vaccinated

In Canada, childhood vaccines are provided free of charge under provincial health plans. You can access them at:

• Family doctor or pediatrician — Your child's regular doctor can administer most routine vaccines.
• Public health clinics — Local public health units run immunization clinics, often with walk-in availability. These are an excellent option for newcomers who don't yet have a family doctor.
• Community health centres — These centres serve underserved populations, including newcomers, and offer vaccination services regardless of insurance status.
• Pharmacies — In some provinces, pharmacists can administer certain vaccines to children aged 5 and older (such as the flu vaccine).
• School-based clinics — Many provinces deliver vaccines like HPV and meningococcal directly in schools during grade 7.

Common Questions from Newcomer Parents

Are vaccines free for newcomers?

Yes. All routine childhood vaccines on the provincial schedule are provided at no cost, even during the health insurance waiting period in most provinces. Public health units will generally vaccinate children regardless of health card status. If you encounter any issues, contact your local public health unit directly.

See also: Canadian Healthcare System Guide

What if my child is behind on vaccinations?

Catch-up schedules are available for children of all ages. Your public health nurse will create a personalized plan to bring your child up to date as quickly and safely as possible. Multiple vaccines can often be given at the same visit.

Are there any additional vaccines recommended for newcomer children?

Depending on your country of origin, your doctor may recommend additional screening or vaccines, such as:

• Tuberculosis (TB) screening — Not a vaccine, but a skin test (Mantoux/TST) or blood test (IGRA) may be recommended for children from countries with high TB prevalence.
• Hepatitis B — If not already immunized or if status is unclear.
• Hepatitis A — Recommended for children from regions with high hepatitis A rates.

Flu Shots and COVID-19 Vaccines

In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, Canada recommends annual influenza (flu) vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older. Flu shots are available free of charge in most provinces through family doctors, pharmacies (for children aged 5+), and public health clinics. The flu season in Canada typically runs from October through April, and getting vaccinated early in the fall provides the best protection.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available for children and are recommended by NACI. The schedule and eligible age groups are updated regularly based on emerging evidence. Check with your local public health unit for the most current recommendations. COVID-19 vaccines for children are free across all provinces and territories.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

It's natural to have questions about vaccines, especially if the immunization practices in your home country were different. Here are some important facts:

• Vaccines used in Canada undergo rigorous testing — Health Canada reviews extensive clinical trial data before approving any vaccine for use.
• Side effects are typically mild — The most common side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and fussiness in young children. These are signs that the immune system is responding and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
• Serious side effects are extremely rare — The risk of a serious vaccine reaction is far lower than the risk of complications from the diseases they prevent.
• Your healthcare provider can answer questions — Don't hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about any concerns. They can provide evidence-based information specific to your child's situation.

Ensuring your children are fully immunized protects them and contributes to the safety of your community. If you have questions about vaccination or any aspect of settling in Canada, visit the WelcomeAide settlement checklist for step-by-step guidance on health registration, school enrollment, and more.