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Immunization is a lifelong process of preventing infection and disease. Following the standard immunization schedule ensures that you and your family members are protected against infectious diseases.
Recommended routine immunizations begin at two months of age to protect infants from illnesses that can be very serious for them.
It is important that your child receive all of the vaccines, or shots, recommenced in the childhood immunization schedule.
As a general rule, interruption of a series of vaccinations for any reason does not require starting the series over again, regardless of the interval elapsed. Children, youth and adults with interruptions to their vaccines should be vaccinated to complete the appropriate schedule for their current age.
Recommended Immunizations (Birth to 16 years)
| Vaccine |
Age at Vaccination |
Doses |
Notes |
| Diphtheria |
2 months
4 months
6 months
18 months
4-6 years
14-16 years |
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At 14-16 years of age your child is eligible for their 10 year booster of tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (Adacel™ vaccine), available at school clinics, the Health Unit or your health care provider’s office. |
| Pertussis |
2 months
4 months
6 months
18 months
4-6 years
14-16 years |
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| Tetanus |
2 months
4 months
6 months
18 months
4-6 years
14-16 years |
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| Polio |
2 months
4 months
6 months
18 months
4-6 years |
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| HIB |
2 months
4 months
6 months
18 months |
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Haemophilus influenza type b (HIB) requires a series of shots. The exact number & timing of each may vary with the type of vaccine used. |
| Pneumococcal conjugate |
2 months
4 months
6 months
15 months |
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| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
12 months
18 months |
Two dose program; second dose MMR is given either at 18 months or 4-6 years of age. If the child is past the age at which the second dose is recommended, it can be given 1-2 months after the first. |
MMR vaccine must be given after the first birthday. |
| Men-C conjugate |
12 months
12 years
(Grade 7)
Consent Form (PDF) |
Recommended schedule & number of doses of meningococcal vaccine depends on age of child. |
If your child has not had the meningococcal c-conjugate vaccine (at 1 year of age), he/she can receive the vaccine at 12 years of age.
Routinely offered to Ontario school students in Grade 7. |
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) |
15 months
5 years |
Given in 1 dose to children between 1 & 12 years old and in 2 doses, 1 month apart for older children. |
Not recommended for children under 1 year old.
If your child has not had the chicken pox or the vaccine, he/she can receive this vaccine at 5 years of age. |
| Hepatitis B |
12 years
(Grade 7)
Consent Form (PDF) |
Requires a 2-dose series of immunizations. |
Routinely offered to Ontario school students in Grade 7. |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) |
12-14 years
(Grade 8)
Consent Form (PDF) |
Three dose series; the second dose is given 2 months after the first, & the third dose after 6 months. |
For girls only.
Offered at school clinics (grade 8), the Health Unit or your health care provider’s office. If students have not received all 3 doses by completion of Grade 8, the last doses may be obtained at the Health Unit or your health care provider’s office.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program for Grade 8 Females: What you need to know. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2006.
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Make sure your child’s Personal Immunization Record (yellow card) is updated after he/she receives immunizations. Remember to keep his/her immunization record in a safe place with your other important documents.
Recommended Adult Immunizations
We do our best to protect our children, but we also have to remember to protect ourselves. You’re never too old to get immunized! Make sure you’re protected.
All adults should receive adequate doses of all recommended vaccines. You may be required to receive other vaccinations based on your occupation, travel, underlying medical conditions, environment, lifestyle and age. Many vaccines are given free of charge by your health care professional.
| Vaccine |
Who |
Frequency |
Notes |
Tetanus,
Diphtheria (Td) |
All adults |
Every 10 years |
A deep or dirty wound may require a Td booster. |
| Influenza (flu) |
All adults |
Annually |
Flu vaccines change yearly so annual flu shots are necessary. |
| Pneumococcal Polysaccharide |
Individuals 65 years or older
All residents of nursing homes & chronic care facilities
Individuals with certain medical conditions or considered at high risk |
One dose |
Revaccination is indicated under certain circumstances, speak to your health care professional. |
| Shingles |
Individuals 60 years or older |
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| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
All adults without evidence of immunity |
Adults without evidence of immunity should receive 1 dose of MMR |
MMR should not be given during pregnancy & pregnancy should be avoided for 1 month after receiving the vaccine. |
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) |
Individuals who have never had Chicken Pox |
2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart |
Susceptible women of childbearing age should receive varicella vaccine, however, it should not be given during pregnancy. |
Make sure your Personal Immunization Record (yellow card) is updated after you receive immunizations. Remember to keep your immunization record in a safe place with your other important documents.
Where do I get Immunized?
Many of the vaccines that are licensed for use in Canada are paid for by the government in Ontario, so there is no cost to receive these vaccines. They are available from your health care provider or at a Health Unit clinic. See the Immunizations Schedule for more detailed information on the vaccines available.
Call the Health Unit at 519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143 for your appointment.
Vaccines related to travel and some other specialized groups are not free.
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