• Health
• Community and Public Health
• Public and Community Health

How do I get proof of my vaccinations?

In Ontario, your vaccine or immunization records are kept in your file at your family doctor’s office. You can also update them with your local Public Health Unit.

Public Health used to issue a folded yellow booklet or yellow card the size of a passport. Now, most records can be printed by your doctor’s office. A complete and up-to-date immunization record is required for some jobs, travel, and public schools.

Are there different types of vaccine requirements?

Different vaccines are recommended for every stage of life to stay healthy and prevent certain diseases. You can learn more about Ontario’s routine immunization schedule and the different types of vaccines offered on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Requirements for School

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. Your child will receive vaccinations from your health care provider based on their age.

If you have questions about vaccinating your child or the schedule of vaccines, you can talk to your health care provider, your local Public Health Unit or contact SickKids Immunization InfoLine. The Ministry of Health offers a school immunization checklist in multiple languages.

Requirements for Employment

Most jobs don’t have mandatory immunization requirements. However, certain careers may expose you more frequently to vaccine-preventable diseases. If this is the case, you may be strongly encouraged or even required to get specific vaccines and keep them up to date as part of your employment. These roles can include people who work in:

• child care
• emergency services
• essential community services and shelters
• animal services or handling materials from animals
• Hospitals, doctors’ offices and long-term care
• humanitarian relief work
• laboratory work
• medical institutions and correctional facilities
• military
• ships for extended periods of time

Requirements for Travel

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers talk to their primary health care provider before going to countries with greater health risks than in Canada. Depending on your age, planned travel activities, and local conditions, you may need additional vaccinations. It is a good idea to visit your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

What if I was vaccinated outside of Ontario?

Vaccinated in Another Province

If you were vaccinated in another province in Canada, you can contact your former health care provider for your vaccine records. Another option is to contact the Public Health unit from the province or territory you lived in for assistance. Many provinces have electronic medical records; you can ask the local public health unit to help you gain access.

Vaccinated Outside of Canada

Every country has different vaccination programs for children and adults. If possible, contact your primary health care provider in your home country and ask for a copy of your immunization records.

You may already have the vaccination records from your immigration application. Before coming to Canada, you may have completed a medical exam as part of your application. Proof of vaccination is not mandatory in this exam; however, you may have given the panel physician a record of your vaccine history. Some physicians offer to update your immunizations as part of this exam; you can check your documents to see if you still have these records.

What if I am not vaccinated?

There are many reasons you may not have had all of your vaccines from childhood. The good news is you can catch up on any missed vaccinations. You can contact your health care provider or your local Public Health Unit to set up a vaccine schedule that is right for you.

If you were unable to get the vaccine due to medical reasons, you should get medical documents from your health care provider to help explain this if your school or work needs to see proof.

Many community agencies can help you with information about immunizing yourself and your family. To find help, go to Services Near Me and search for "settlement services" in your area.

For More Information

• Vaccine Records - Access your or your child’s vaccination history. From the Public Health Agency of Canada. 
• Ontario Immunization Program - Information about different vaccines and immunization schedules available in Ontario. From the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Immunization InfoLine - SickKids Immunization InfoLine (formerly Vaccine Consult Service) offers families comprehensive information from a trusted health-care professional about all immunizations offered during pregnancy and childhood.
• Immunizations and Prevention - Immunizations help to protect your child against many different diseases. Learn about the different immunizations and the conditions they help to prevent. From SickKids.
• Community Health Centres (CHCs) - A list of Community Health Centres across Ontario. From the Association of Ontario Health Centres.