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What vaccinations does my child need?
All children who attend school or licensed child care in Ontario must receive certain vaccinations. These vaccines are free of charge to residents of Ontario.
Vaccination Requirements
Your child will receive vaccinations from your health care provider based on their age and following a schedule recommended by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. You can review the current Schedules of Publicly-Funded Immunizations to find out which vaccines are recommended for your child. If your child is under 6 years of age, you can also use this Immunization Tool.
If you have questions about vaccinating your child or the schedule of vaccines, you can talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner or your local public health unit.
All children between the ages of 4 and 17 must receive certain vaccinations in order to attend school in Ontario, unless they have a valid exemption. To find more information and to obtain an exemption contact your health care provider or visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Public Health Unit tool to find a Public Health Unit.
Immunization Records
In Ontario, the immunization record is a folded yellow booklet, the size of a passport. Your immunization record or "yellow card" lists all vaccinations you have received in Canada.
A complete and up-to-date immunization record is a required document. In addition to registering your child for school or daycare, you might also need it when your child needs emergency treatment or when you register your child for summer camp or other children's programs.
If your children were not immunized when they were infants, contact your health unit for information about getting vaccinated now.
Many community agencies can help you with information about immunizing your child for school. To find help, go to
Services Near Me and search for "settlement services" in your area.
For More Information
- Ontario Immunization Program - Information about different vaccines and immunization schedules available in Ontario. From the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
- Community Health Centres (CHCs) - A list of Community Health Centres across Ontario. From the Association of Ontario Health Centres.
Last updated:
June 6, 2019
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