Vaccines are one of the most effective protections against disease. Vaccines can also be called immunizations, needles or shots. Talk to your health care provider about what vaccines you or your family may need. Vaccines work best when people receive them at the appropriate ages. For more information review the Ontario vaccine schedule. 

Please note: Public Health Vaccine Clinics are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted at any locations.

On this page:

• Reporting vaccinations 
• School vaccines
• Request vaccination records
• Grade 7 school clinics
• Infant and child care vaccines
• Respiratory illness vaccines
• Adult and older adult vaccinations
• Vaccine exemptions
• Vaccine-preventable diseases

Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child's vaccinations to Public Health. Make sure your child's vaccine records are up to date. You can learn more about how to view your child's vaccination record and how to report at Report my Child's Vaccines.

Children attending school (Kindergarten - Grade 12) must have proof of the required vaccinations or a valid exemption on record with Public Health.

Your child can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at some walk-in clinics. We recommend calling ahead to confirm if routine vaccines are available.

Public Health offers vaccine appointments to those who do not have an Ontario health card (OHIP card) or do not have a family doctor. Public Health Clinic vaccine services are by appointment only. 

Public Health provides the Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines in schools for all Grade 7 students in Waterloo Region. Learn more about Grade 7 school clinics.

Vaccines protect infants and children when they are most vulnerable to infection and disease. Infants and children aged 0-3 who do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic to receive routine vaccines.

Respiratory illness vaccines

Respiratory season is typically between November and May every year. Stay up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to reduce your risk of respiratory illness and hospitalization. Some people may also be eligible for an RSV vaccine.

Learn more about where to get vaccinated: 

We need vaccines as adults to maintain our protection against some diseases. Visit the Government of Ontario's Adult Vaccination page to learn about what vaccines are recommended for adults and to find out if you are eligible for publicly funded vaccines.

Older adults may also be eligible for vaccines against shingles (Herpes Zoster) and pneumonia (Pneumococcal disease), which are more common as you age.

Adults can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at a walk-in clinic. Adults who are eligible for a publicly funded vaccine but do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic.

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) and Child Care and Early Years Act require a medical or non-medical exemption form to be submitted if your child is not vaccinated. Learn more and access the forms at School and Child Care Vaccination.