Importance of immunization

Immunization is one of the most important public health measures used to protect the health of Albertans. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions.

Immunization helps your body to build immunity, or resistance, against certain diseases before you are exposed to those diseases. Vaccines are used for immunization.

Vaccines are very important to public health and their use has significantly contributed to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Where to get immunized

Preventing influenza (the flu)

One of the best ways to prevent getting sick from seasonal influenza is through yearly immunization because the influenza virus changes each year. Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year, but immunization is still the best protection.

Routine immunization schedule

Immunizing on schedule ensures your child gets the maximum possible protection from vaccine-preventable diseases and gives your child the best immunity possible.

Effective: January 1, 2021

Age Vaccine
2 months
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB 1
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (Pneu-C13)
  • Rotavirus
4 months
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (Pneu-C13)
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenconC)
  • Rotavirus
6 months
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (Pneu-C13) (for high risk children only)
  • Rotavirus
6 months and older
  • Influenza 2 (annually)
12 months
  • MMR-Var 3
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenconC)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (Pneu-C13)
18 months
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib
  • MMR-Var 3
4 years
  • dTap-IPV 4
  • MMR-Var 3 (if not received at 18 months)
Grade 6
  • Hepatitis B (2 doses)
  • HPV 5 (2 doses)
Grade 9
  • dTap 6
  • MenC-ACYW 7
Adults
  • dTap 6 (every 10 years and one dose in every pregnancy)
  • Td 8 (every 10 years – when indicated)
  • Pneumo-P 9 (one dose – 65 years and older)

Note: Each bullet represents one vaccine or injection unless otherwise noted.

  • 1 – Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis b
  • 2 – Annually, during influenza season
  • 3 – Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella
  • 4 – Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio
  • 5 – Human papillomavirus
  • 6 – Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis
  • 7 – Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Groups A, C, W-135 and Y)
  • 8 – Tetanus, diphtheria
  • 9 – Pneumococcal Polysaccharide

Immunization records and statistics

Immunization records are kept by Alberta Health Services (AHS) at the health zone level. If it has been more than 7 to 10 years since your last immunization, AHS may not have a copy of the record.

  • In Alberta, the last childhood immunization is provided in Grade 9.
  • If you have questions about your immunization records, contact Health Link at 811
  • Contact the Immunization Records Request Office in your health zone to obtain your records.

Statistics on childhood immunization rates based on population in Alberta, are available on the Interactive Health Data Application.

Related

MyHealth Alberta

Immunization and vaccines

A Parent's Guide to Vaccination

Immunize Canada – Your Child’s Best Shot