Vaccines and Immunization

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.

Looking for a measles vaccine? Visit Prevent measles with vaccination.

On this page:

• School vaccines
• Grade 7 school clinics
• Infant and child care vaccines
• Vaccine records and reporting
• Respiratory illness vaccines
• Adult vaccinations
• Vaccine exemptions
• Vaccine-preventable diseases
• Vaccine resources

School vaccines

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. 

Book a vaccine appointment - Cambridge Book a vaccine appointment - Kitchener

Learn more about School Vaccination. 

Report your child's vaccinations  Vaccine exemptions 

Grade 7 school clinics

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.

Grade 7 school clinics schedule (2024/2025) School clinic eligibility and consent

Infant and child care vaccines

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.

Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Kitchener Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Cambridge

Children attending licensed child care must either have proof of the required vaccinations, or a valid medical or non-medical exemption. Learn more about Child Care Vaccination. 

Report your child's vaccinations  Vaccine exemptions 

Vaccine records and reporting

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 Vaccine Reporting.
Report your child's vaccinations View your child's vaccination record

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. 
COVID-19 vaccine Influenza (flu) vaccine RSV vaccine

Adult vaccinations

Although most vaccinations occur during childhood, we require booster shots in adulthood to maintain our defenses against some diseases. Visit the Government of Ontario's Adult Vaccination page to learn about what vaccines are recommended for adults and to determine if you are eligible for publicly funded vaccines.

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.

Book an adult vaccine appointment - KitchenerBook an adult vaccine appointment - Cambridge

Vaccine exemptions

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.

Medical exemption Non-medical exemption

Vaccine-preventable diseases

Learn about the diseases that can be prevented with safe vaccination at all ages. Sometimes you need more than one dose of a vaccine across many years, and it is important to follow the Ontario government's vaccination schedule. 
Hepatitis HPV Measles Meningitis Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Travel vaccines Vaccine schedule 

Vaccine resources