Parents playing with their baby
Submitted by Susan Loadman, communicable disease nurse

B.C.’s child immunization program is one of the best in the world. In the first two years of life, your baby is provided free vaccines to protect against 14 different diseases.

Did you know that immunizations (also known as vaccinations, shots, jabs) have saved the lives of more babies and children than any other medical intervention in the past 50 years?  The World Health Organization estimates that immunizations save two – three million lives worldwide every year.

B.C.’s child immunization program is one of the best in the world. In the first two years of life, your baby is provided free vaccines to protect against 14 different diseases.  The immunizations start at two months of age to help protect your baby as early as possible.  

For the best protection, it is recommended that you follow B.C.’s routine immunization schedule and get all shots on time (i.e. when your baby reaches two-months, four-months, six-months, 12-months, 18-months of age and as a child, starting at 4 years of age). Delaying, spacing out vaccines or choosing not to vaccinate puts your baby at risk.

Six reasons why it's best to follow B.C.'s child immunization schedule

  1. The routine schedule is based on the best science of today. 
  2. The routine schedule is safe and works very well. 
  3. You will ensure your baby is protected as early as possible.
  4. You will reduce your baby’s risk of developing anxiety and needle fear. 
  5. The risk of side effects is the same whether vaccines are given together or separately.
  6. You will reduce the number of visits and time spent getting your baby’s shots.

As a parent you can protect your baby by making sure you have had all recommended vaccines for adults.

To avoid waitlists, book your child’s two-month appointment soon after they are born. Book an immunization appointment with your health care provider or at your local public health unit. 

To book an immunization appointment with public health:

  • Residents of Fraser East (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope), call 604-702-4906.
  • Residents in other areas of Fraser Health, call 604-476-7087.

Keeping track

Keeping track of your baby’s immunizations is an important step in making sure they are up-to-date and protected. Immunization records are often requested for daycare, summer camps and travel.

There are different ways to record your baby’s immunizations. You will receive a Child’s Health Passport from public health after your baby is born. If you do not receive one, you can request one from your local public health unit or print the childhood immunization record card. If you prefer electronic records, download the CANImmunize App

Reporting immunization

It’s important for public health to have an up-to-date record of your child’s immunizations so we can:

  • Respond effectively to disease outbreaks in childcare facilities and schools
  • Recommend immunizations your child may be missing
  • Provide the best care for your child through our public health programs

If your child is immunized outside of the Fraser Health region (e.g. Vancouver, Richmond or out of province), please email your child's immunization record, birth date and name to public health
to reportimmunizations@fraserhealth.ca.

Learn more

For more information on immunizations and what diseases they protect, visit fraserhealth.ca/immunizations.


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