Routine Vaccine

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccination in Canada. It is normally given in childhood at age 12 months and at 4-6 years.

The shingles (Shingrix) vaccine is not a publicly funded vaccine and is not provided for free in BC. For First Nations Elders aged 60 and older, it is available at no cost as of September 1, 2023.

Shingles, a painful rash from the same virus as chickenpox, can be severe, especially for those over 50. The shingles vaccine helps reduce the severity of the illness, lowers the risk of lingering nerve pain, and prevents the spread of the virus. Even if you’ve had shingles before or received the older vaccine, getting the updated vaccine is crucial for better protection.

n British Columbia, the GARDASIL®9 HPV vaccine is free for students in grades 6-12, HIV-positive individuals aged 9-26, and certain men and non-binary individuals aged 19-26. It’s not covered for women aged 19-45, some men aged 19-26, and men aged 27 and older.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a common infection that can lead to serious health issues like cancers and genital warts. The Gardasil vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing these problems, especially when given before you become sexually active, though it’s still valuable for adults.