Overview
This guide outlines the current recommended immunization schedules in Canada, including updates up to April 2025 and links to recent statements. It presents detailed, age- and risk-specific vaccine schedules for infants, children, and adults.
General Recommendations
- Vaccines should be administered according to the schedules for optimal protection.
- Modifications may be needed for missed doses, but vaccine series do not need to be restarted.
- Refer to vaccine-specific chapters and product monographs for details and updates.
- Consult additional guidance for timing, multiple injections, and vaccine interchangeability.
Routine Childhood Immunization Schedule (Birth to 17 Years)
- Infants and children receive vaccines such as DTaP-IPV-Hib, Rotavirus, pneumococcal, meningococcal, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, HPV, influenza, and RSV antibodies per age-specific timelines.
- At-risk children may require additional or alternative vaccines.
- Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all children 6 months and up.
- Refer to local schedules for specific timing and number of doses.
Catch-Up Immunization for Unimmunized Children (Under 7 & 7–17 Years)
- Not previously immunized children follow catch-up schedules based on age and vaccine requirements.
- Doses and intervals vary by starting age and product.
- HPV vaccination for those 9–17 years, with possible 1 or 2-dose schedules.
Additional Vaccines for At-Risk Children (Birth to 17 Years)
- At-risk children may require extra protection with Hib, pneumococcal, meningococcal, Hepatitis A and B, influenza, and RSV antibodies.
- Dose number and timing depend on medical condition and age.
Adult Immunization Schedules (18+)
- Adults not previously immunized should receive Tdap, MMR, varicella (or RZV), pneumococcal, meningococcal, HPV, influenza (annually), and RSV (75+).
- Catch-up and booster dosing intervals are specified.
Immunizations for Previously Immunized Adults
- Ten-year Td booster and one dose of Tdap are recommended.
- Age-based recommendations for pneumococcal, RZV, and influenza vaccination.
Additional Vaccines for At-Risk Adults
- At-risk adults may need Hib, IPV, additional MMR, pneumococcal, meningococcal, Hepatitis A/B, influenza, rabies, varicella, RSV, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines.
- Some vaccines are recommended as a series with periodic boosters for ongoing risk.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always consult the latest product monographs, NACI updates, and local schedules.
- Consider specific recommendations for travelers, workers, those with chronic disease, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Annual review of the immunization guide is advised to stay current with evolving recommendations.