Searchable immunization guide

Confirm eligibility against the Ontario schedule and your public health unit.

22 vaccines — search above to find one.

DTaP-IPV-Hib / DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib / related pediatric combinations

Protects against: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, sometimes hepatitis B

Publicly funded if eligible

Ontario pharmacyVia primary care / public health

Who it's for: Infants and young children (routine doses at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months; preschool Tdap-IPV at 4–6 years).
Dose / series: Primary series at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months; preschool booster (Tdap-IPV) at 4–6 years.
Brands: Pediacel, Pentacel (Ontario routine). Infanrix hexa and others are authorized.
Publicly funded: Free: the routine childhood series.
Who can give it: Given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Patient script & side effects

Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and Hib (which can cause meningitis). Reactions are usually a sore leg/arm, mild fever, or fussiness.

Side effects: Sore injection site, mild fever, fussiness, or tiredness.

Notes & sources

Infant doses are below the pharmacy minimum age (5 years) and are given through primary care / public health. For adult tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis boosters, see Tdap / Td.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Anaphylaxis to prior dose/component; defer serious acute illness; product-specific cautions.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Routine infancy and preschool schedule per province/territory; minimum first dose age for DTaP-IPV-Hib class is 6 weeks in CIG timing table.
Catch-up: Interrupted series generally do not restart; complete age-appropriate series using minimum intervals and current age.
Funding model: Public program eligibility comes from PT routine/catch-up schedule; childhood vaccines are provided free according to PT schedules.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2026-04

Rotavirus vaccine

Protects against: Rotavirus gastroenteritis

Publicly funded if eligible

Ontario pharmacyVia primary care / public health

Who it's for: Infants only — given by mouth at 2 and 4 months, with strict maximum age limits.
Dose / series: 2 oral doses at 2 and 4 months (strict start and finish age limits).
Brands: Rotarix (Ontario public, oral). RotaTeq is also authorized.
Publicly funded: Free: routine infant oral doses.
Who can give it: Given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Patient script & side effects

Rotavirus causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in babies. It's given by mouth, not by needle. Call a provider for severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, or blood in stool after a dose.

Side effects: Mild, temporary diarrhea or irritability.

Notes & sources

Oral infant vaccine given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Severe combined immunodeficiency and product-specific contraindications; respect maximum age windows.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: First dose starting at 6 weeks; first dose before 15 weeks; all doses before 8 months according to CIG timing table.
Catch-up: Catch-up only within age limits; missed older infants may become ineligible due to maximum age rules.
Funding model: PT routine infant program.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2026-04

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (Pneu-C-15/Pneu-C-20 pediatric)

Protects against: Pneumococcal disease

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyVia primary care / public health

Who it's for: Infants and young children (routine Pneu-C-15 at 2, 4, 12 months); high-risk children on the Pneu-C-20 schedule.
Dose / series: Routine: 3 doses at 2, 4, and 12 months. High-risk children: Pneu-C-20 schedule with additional doses.
Brands: Vaxneuvance (PCV15) for children 6 weeks–4 yr; Prevnar 20 for high-risk children.
Publicly funded: Free: routine infant doses, plus high-risk children.
Who can give it: Given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Patient script & side effects

Protects babies against pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and bloodstream infection from pneumococcus.

Side effects: Injection-site soreness, mild fever, or fussiness.

Notes & sources

Routine infant doses fall below the pharmacy minimum age (5 years), so they're given through primary care / public health.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Product-specific contraindications; immunocompromised children may need tailored schedule.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Minimum age 6 weeks; routine and risk schedules per CIG/PT.
Catch-up: Dose number varies by age at start and risk condition; do not restart interrupted series.
Funding model: PT routine infant program; additional high-risk funding depends on PT policy.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2026-04 / 2025-04

Meningococcal C / Men-C-ACYW conjugate

Protects against: Meningococcal disease serogroups C and/or A,C,Y,W

Publicly funded if eligible

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Children (Men-C-C at 12 months); adolescents (Men-C-ACYW in Grade 7); plus catch-up, high-risk, and close-contact programs.
Dose / series: Men-C-C: 1 dose at 12 months. Men-C-ACYW: 1 dose in Grade 7 (high-risk schedules may differ).
Brands: Men-C-C (12 mo): Menjugate Liquid, NeisVac-C. Men-C-ACYW (Grade 7+): Menactra, Nimenrix, MenQuadfi, Menveo.
Publicly funded: Free: Men-C-C at 12 months, Men-C-ACYW in Grade 7 (catch-up rules apply), plus high-risk/close-contact eligibility.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 5 years+ (the 12-month Men-C-C dose is via primary care).

Patient script & side effects

Meningococcal disease is rare but can be life-threatening within hours. Seek urgent care for fever with a stiff neck, confusion, or a purple rash.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild fever, or headache.

Notes & sources

A pharmacist/tech can give the Grade 7 (Men-C-ACYW) dose; funding runs through the school / public programs.

Product-specific contraindications; high-risk schedules vary.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI 2026 strongly recommends one Men-C-ACYW dose at 12-23 months for routine programs, regardless of doses in first year; adolescent Men-C-ACYW still needed.
Catch-up: Catch-up depends on age, prior Men-C-C/Men-C-ACYW doses, and PT transition timing.
Funding model: PT routine program; transition away from Men-C-C depends on jurisdiction and supply.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2026-04

Meningococcal B vaccines

Protects against: Meningococcal disease serogroup B

Confirm funding

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: High-risk individuals and outbreak/close contacts; not part of the routine schedule for everyone.
Dose / series: 2–4 doses depending on the product, age, and risk.
Brands: Bexsero (Ontario high-risk). Trumenba is also authorized (private).
Publicly funded: Free only for specific high-risk, outbreak, or close-contact eligibility; otherwise private.

Patient script & side effects

Meningococcal B disease is rare but dangerous. Vaccination is targeted to higher-risk situations.

Side effects: Sore arm, fever (more common in young children), headache, or fatigue.

Notes & sources

Often private unless the person meets high-risk/outbreak eligibility. A pharmacist can administer to ages 5+.

Product-specific age limits and contraindications.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Not uniformly routine in all jurisdictions; check PT table and local public health.
Catch-up: Catch-up only if eligible under high-risk/outbreak/PT-specific program.
Funding model: PT-specific; may be publicly funded for high-risk groups or selected cohorts.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2026-02

MMR

Protects against: Measles, mumps, rubella

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Children (first dose 12 months; second as MMRV at 4–6 years); susceptible adults and catch-up; travel may trigger an adult second dose.
Dose / series: 2 doses (12 months and 4–6 years; catch-up doses ≥4 weeks apart).
Brands: M-M-R II, Priorix, M-M-RVaxPro.
Publicly funded: Free: routine childhood doses and eligible adult catch-up.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 5 years+ (the 12-month dose is via primary care).

Patient script & side effects

Measles is extremely contagious and can cause pneumonia or brain swelling; rubella in pregnancy can severely harm the baby. This is a live vaccine.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild fever, or a faint rash about a week later.

Notes & sources

Live vaccine — avoid in pregnancy and significant immunosuppression. A pharmacist can give doses to ages 5+ (including adult catch-up); routine infant funding runs through primary care.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Live vaccine: generally contraindicated in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise; timing with other live parenteral vaccines matters.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Minimum age 12 months for routine; first dose may be earlier in special travel/outbreak situations but still requires doses after 12 months for sustained immunity.
Catch-up: 2-dose catch-up for susceptible groups depending on age/risk; do not restart if interrupted.
Funding model: PT routine child program; adult catch-up/funding varies by PT and risk.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2025-04 / 2026-02

Varicella / MMRV

Protects against: Chickenpox; MMRV also measles, mumps, rubella

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Children (first dose 15 months; second as MMRV at 4–6 years); susceptible adolescents and adults, especially those born in/after 2000.
Dose / series: 2 doses (15 months and 4–6 years; catch-up doses about 6 weeks–3 months apart).
Brands: Varicella: Varivax, Varilrix. MMRV (second dose at 4–6 yr): Priorix-Tetra, ProQuad.
Publicly funded: Free: routine childhood doses; susceptible adults born in/after 2000; and some high-risk older adults.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 5 years+ (the 15-month dose is via primary care).

Patient script & side effects

Chickenpox can cause skin infection, pneumonia, and severe illness in pregnancy or immunocompromise. This is a live vaccine.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild fever, or a few spots/rash 1–2 weeks later.

Notes & sources

Live vaccine — avoid in pregnancy and significant immunosuppression. A pharmacist can give catch-up doses to ages 5+, but routine funding runs through primary care.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Live vaccine: generally contraindicated in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Varicella minimum age 12 months; MMRV minimum age 12 months; adult susceptible schedule in CIG is 2 doses 6 weeks apart with 4-week minimum interval.
Catch-up: Catch-up for susceptible individuals; evidence of immunity matters.
Funding model: PT routine child program; adult catch-up/funding varies.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2025-04 / 2026-02

HPV vaccine

Protects against: Human papillomavirus and HPV-associated cancers/disease

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Routine in Grade 7; recommended for everyone roughly 9–26, and eligible males 9–26 who have sex with males.
Dose / series: 2 doses (0 and 6 months) for immunocompetent people starting under 15; 3 doses if starting at 15+ or immunocompromised.
Brands: Gardasil 9 (public program). Cervarix is authorized but not the Ontario program product.
Publicly funded: Free through the Grade 7 school program (catch-up to end of high school); plus eligible males 9–26 who have sex with males.

Patient script & side effects

HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers as well as genital warts. It works best before exposure but can still help later.

Side effects: Sore arm, redness/swelling, mild fever; teens should sit for 15 minutes in case of fainting.

Notes & sources

A pharmacist or pharmacy technician can administer it, but public funding runs through the school program — not free as a pharmacy service.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Product-specific contraindications; immunocompromised schedules differ.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI update: 9-20 years generally 1 dose unless immunocompromised; 21-26 years generally 2 doses unless immunocompromised; 27+ may receive 2-dose schedule by shared decision-making; use 9vHPV.
Catch-up: Catch-up by age, prior doses, immune status, and PT program rules.
Funding model: Routine publicly funded school program; adult catch-up varies widely.

Source last updated 2024-07 / 2026-04

Tdap / Td adult boosters and pregnancy Tdap

Protects against: Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree for eligible adults

Who it's for: Adults (one Tdap in adulthood, then Td every 10 years), every pregnancy (Tdap, ideally 27–32 weeks), and adolescents at 14–16. Routine infant/preschool doses are given to children.
Dose / series: Adults: 1 Tdap, then a Td booster every 10 years. Pregnancy: Tdap each pregnancy. (Childhood primary series is given on the infant/preschool schedule.)
Brands: Tdap: Adacel, Boostrix. Td: Td Adsorbed. Tdap-IPV (4–6 yr / catch-up): Adacel-Polio, Boostrix-Polio.
Publicly funded: Free: one adult Tdap, Td boosters every 10 years, Tdap every pregnancy, the adolescent dose at 14–16, and the routine childhood series.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 5 years+ to administer; publicly funded Pharmacy Adult Vaccine Bundle eligibility starts at 18 years.

Patient script & side effects

Protects against tetanus (severe wound infection), diphtheria, and whooping cough. A Tdap in pregnancy protects the newborn against whooping cough.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness for a day or two.

Notes & sources

At participating pharmacies, the publicly funded Pharmacy Adult Vaccine Bundle applies only to eligible people 18 years and older with an Ontario Health Card; no prescription is required. The publicly funded adolescent dose at 14–16 is obtained through primary care, public health, or another eligible program provider rather than the adult pharmacy bundle.

Source 1(ocpinfo.com)Source 2(ontario.ca)Source 3(ontario.ca)

Anaphylaxis to prior dose/component; neurologic precautions for pertussis-containing products.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Tdap adolescent dose per PT; adult boosters and pregnancy Tdap per CIG/PT/local schedule.
Catch-up: Complete age-appropriate tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-containing series; do not restart interrupted series.
Funding model: PT adult program; public funding varies but adult tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis products often funded for eligible indications.

Source last updated 2025-04 / 2026-06 / 2026-04

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Hepatitis B vaccine

Protects against: Hepatitis B

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Routine in Grade 7; high-risk infants and adults at other ages.
Dose / series: Usually a 2–3 dose series (the school program uses a 2-dose schedule for eligible ages).
Brands: Recombivax HB, Engerix-B (Engerix-B is the latex-allergy option). PreHevbrio is authorized but not the routine public product.
Publicly funded: Free through the Grade 7 school program (catch-up to end of high school); plus high-risk groups.

Patient script & side effects

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and sexual contact and can become chronic, causing cirrhosis and liver cancer. A full series gives the best protection.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness.

Notes & sources

A pharmacist/tech can administer it, but funding runs through the school / risk-based programs — not a free pharmacy service.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Product-specific contraindications; post-vaccination serology for selected groups.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: PTs differ: infant combination programs vs school-age programs; CIG timing includes birth minimum for monovalent HB.
Catch-up: Catch-up based on prior doses, age, schedule type, and risk; 2-dose adolescent schedule may be product-specific.
Funding model: PT routine programs and risk-based adult programs.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2026-06

Hepatitis A vaccine

Protects against: Hepatitis A

Confirm funding

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Travellers to risk areas and specific high-risk groups; not routine for all Ontarians.
Dose / series: 2 doses, 6 months apart.
Brands: Avaxim, Havrix, Vaqta. Twinrix is the Hep A+B combination (travel/private).
Publicly funded: Not routinely funded; public funding only for specific high-risk situations. Otherwise private/travel.

Patient script & side effects

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food/water and can cause fever, stomach upset, jaundice, and prolonged fatigue. Travellers to risk areas often need it.

Side effects: Sore arm, headache, or tiredness.

Notes & sources

Usually a private/travel vaccine a pharmacist can administer; publicly funded only for specific eligibility. Plan travel vaccines 4–6 weeks before departure.

Source 1(travel.gc.ca)Source 2(ontario.ca)

Product-specific contraindications.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Not universal routine in all PTs; some PT-specific childhood or risk programs exist.
Catch-up: Catch-up depends on eligibility and dose history; monovalent minimum interval between doses 24 weeks.
Funding model: PT-specific; travel vaccine often not publicly funded unless risk-based eligibility applies.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2026-06

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Influenza vaccine

Protects against: Seasonal influenza

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree at pharmacy

Who it's for: Everyone 6 months and older.
Dose / series: 1 dose each fall. Children 6 months to <9 years need 2 doses (≥4 weeks apart) the first season they're vaccinated.
Brands: Standard-dose (6 mo+): Fluviral, Fluzone, Flucelvax. Seniors 65+: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad (adjuvanted). FluMist nasal spray (ages 2–59) is private, not the UIIP product.
Publicly funded: Free for everyone 6 months+ who lives, works, or studies in Ontario (annual, UIIP). No health card required.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 2 years+ (under 2 via primary care).

Patient script & side effects

Flu can cause pneumonia, hospitalization, and worsening of chronic conditions. Strains change yearly, so a shot is needed each year. It can be given with COVID-19 and most other vaccines.

Side effects: Sore arm, mild aches, or a low fever for a day or two.

Notes & sources

Free at UIIP pharmacies for ages 2+; under-2s via other providers. Seniors 65+ have standard, adjuvanted, and high-dose options.

Age/product-specific contraindications; serious acute illness may delay.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI 2026-2027: annual dose for 6 months+; children 6 months to <9 years receiving influenza vaccine for first time need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.
Catch-up: Seasonal catch-up within influenza season; first-time young children may need second dose.
Funding model: PT universal/seasonal programs; specific products and eligibility vary by region.

Source last updated 2026-05-12

Source(canada.ca)

COVID-19 vaccines

Protects against: COVID-19

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree at pharmacy

Who it's for: Everyone 6 months and older.
Dose / series: Annual fall dose for most; some high-risk groups also get a spring dose. Number of doses depends on age and prior vaccination.
Brands: Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (2025/26 LP.8.1). Nuvaxovid (Novavax) is not available in Ontario this season.
Publicly funded: Free for everyone 6 months+ who lives, works, or studies in Ontario.
Who can give it: Pharmacist or pharmacy technician — 6 months+.

Patient script & side effects

COVID-19 vaccines are updated to match circulating strains and reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Commonly given together with the flu shot.

Side effects: Sore arm, fatigue, headache, or mild fever for a day or two.

Notes & sources

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians may administer from 6 months of age. Free to all eligible Ontarians.

Product-specific age/contraindication; myocarditis/pericarditis history may require assessment; can be given with other vaccines.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Starting fall 2026 NACI strongly recommends programs for increased-risk groups; most receive 1 dose/year; certain groups should be offered 2 doses/year with minimum 3-month interval.
Catch-up: Unvaccinated can start per current product guidance; previously vaccinated follow annual/second-dose eligibility.
Funding model: PTs determine publicly funded populations; vaccines may be available for purchase where not included.

Source last updated 2026-06-09

Source(canada.ca)

Adult pneumococcal vaccines (Pneu-C-20/Pneu-C-21 and others)

Protects against: Pneumococcal disease

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree at pharmacy

Who it's for: Adults 65+, and younger adults with specific high-risk conditions.
Dose / series: One dose of Pneu-C-20 at 65+. High-risk adults may need additional or earlier doses per schedule.
Brands: Prevnar 20 (PCV20).
Publicly funded: Free: one Pneu-C-20 dose at 65+, plus eligible high-risk younger adults.

Patient script & side effects

Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infection) can become serious quickly in older adults. For most people it's a one-time dose.

Side effects: Injection-site pain or redness, mild fever, or fatigue.

Notes & sources

Free at the pharmacy for eligible adults — no prescription needed.

Source 1(canada.ca)Source 2(canada.ca)Source 3(canada.ca)

Product-specific contraindications; prior vaccine history matters.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI adult pneumococcal recommendations inform PT programs; vaccine choice depends on program and products.
Catch-up: Catch-up/re-immunization depends on prior pneumococcal vaccines, age, risk, and product sequence.
Funding model: Adult PT routine table; high-risk public funding varies.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2024-11 / 2025-04

Herpes zoster vaccine (recombinant shingles vaccine)

Protects against: Shingles/herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia

Confirm funding

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree at pharmacy

Who it's for: Adults 50+, and adults 18+ who are immunocompromised.
Dose / series: 2 doses — 2nd dose 2–6 months after the 1st (1–2 months if immunocompromised). Intramuscular.
Brands: Shingrix.
Publicly funded: Free for adults 65–70; complete the series before the 71st birthday. Recommended but paid privately outside that range.

Patient script & side effects

Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating. Two doses give strong, lasting protection.

Side effects: Sore arm, fatigue, headache, fever, or muscle aches for 1–3 days.

Notes & sources

Free at the pharmacy for eligible 65–70 — no prescription needed. Not a live vaccine; safe in immunocompromise.

Product-specific contraindications; check immune status and timing with other vaccines.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI updated recommendations for immunocompromised adults were released in 2025; use CIG zoster chapter and PT adult funding.
Catch-up: Not a classic childhood catch-up vaccine; evaluate age/risk and prior zoster vaccination.
Funding model: Public funding varies significantly by PT age band and risk indication.

Source last updated 2025-06 / 2026-04

RSV vaccines for older/high-risk adults

Protects against: Respiratory syncytial virus

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesFree at pharmacy

Who it's for: Adults 75+, and adults 60–74 with high-risk conditions/settings (LTC, dialysis, transplant, homelessness, First Nations/Inuit/Métis).
Dose / series: 1 dose (Arexvy or Abrysvo). Protection lasts several years; a repeat dose is not recommended for the 2025–26 season.
Brands: Abrysvo or Arexvy (Arexvy is adjuvanted). mRESVIA is authorized but not the Ontario program product.
Publicly funded: Free for adults 75+ and eligible high-risk adults 60–74.

Patient script & side effects

RSV can cause severe lung infection in older adults. One dose gives protection across several seasons.

Side effects: Sore arm, fatigue, headache, or muscle/joint aches for a day or two.

Notes & sources

Free at the pharmacy for eligible adults — no prescription needed. If an RSV vaccine was already given, a repeat is not recommended this season.

GBS risk signal discussed by NACI; product-specific contraindications.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI 2026 strongly recommends adult RSV immunization programs for 75+ and 65-74 high-risk, and for adults 18+ in specified high-risk groups/settings.
Catch-up: Usually single dose in authorized groups; not a catch-up series.
Funding model: PTs determine public program eligibility.

Source last updated 2026-04-10 / 2026-04

RSV infant protection (nirsevimab/clesrovimab monoclonal antibodies; maternal RSVpreF vaccine)

Protects against: RSV disease in infants/children

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyVia primary care / public health

Who it's for: Infants in their first RSV season (nirsevimab/Beyfortus) and high-risk children up to 24 months; maternal vaccine (Abrysvo) for pregnant people at 32–36 weeks in RSV season.
Dose / series: Infant: 1 dose of nirsevimab monoclonal antibody before/early in RSV season. Maternal: 1 Abrysvo dose at 32–36 weeks.
Brands: Infant monoclonal antibody: Beyfortus (nirsevimab) 50 mg / 100 mg. Maternal vaccine: Abrysvo. (Synagis/palivizumab is specialist-only.)
Publicly funded: Free: infants born on/after Apr 1, 2025 and <8 months entering their first RSV season; high-risk children <24 months; eligible pregnancies.
Who can give it: Given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Patient script & side effects

RSV can be severe in babies. Infants are protected by a monoclonal antibody after birth, or by a maternal vaccine given late in pregnancy.

Side effects: Injection-site redness or soreness; rarely a mild fever or rash.

Notes & sources

Delivered through a hospital/birthing centre, primary care, or public health — not a pharmacy service. Not part of the pharmacist-administered program.

Product-specific timing/contraindications; maternal vs infant product decision requires clinical/program guidance.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: NACI released updated infant/child RSV guidance April 10, 2026; PTs decide programs.
Catch-up: Seasonal eligibility; not a conventional catch-up series; timing relative to RSV season/birth matters.
Funding model: PT infant RSV prevention programs vary.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2026-05

BCG vaccine

Protects against: Tuberculosis

Not publicly funded

Ontario pharmacyVia primary care / public health

Who it's for: Not routine in Canada; considered only for specific high-risk infants/situations.
Dose / series: Single dose, specialist-directed.
Brands: Not part of routine Ontario programs; specialist/public-health supplied when used.
Publicly funded: Not routinely funded; exceptional high-risk circumstances only.
Who can give it: Given through primary care / public health — not a pharmacy service.

Patient script & side effects

BCG is mainly used to reduce severe TB in infants at high risk. It does not prevent all TB infection.

Side effects: A small sore or scar at the injection site; sometimes a swollen local lymph node.

Notes & sources

Not routine in Canada — specialist / public-health directed for exceptional high-risk situations, not a pharmacy service.

Source(canada.ca)

Live bacterial vaccine; contraindicated in significant immunodeficiency; TB testing considerations.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: Not routinely publicly funded in most PTs; Canada.ca PT table lists N/A for many jurisdictions and infant timing in some territories.
Catch-up: Catch-up is specialized and risk-based; TB assessment required.
Funding model: Targeted public programs only in select jurisdictions/risk settings.

Source last updated 2026-04 / 2026-02

Source 1(publichealthontario.ca)Source 2(travel.gc.ca)

Rabies vaccines

Protects against: Rabies

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Post-exposure: anyone with a possible rabies exposure (bite, scratch, or bat contact). Pre-exposure: travellers and occupations at risk.
Dose / series: Post-exposure: a series of doses (with rabies immune globulin if not previously vaccinated), coordinated by public health. Pre-exposure: 2–3 doses.
Brands: Imovax Rabies, RabAvert. Rabies immune globulin (HyperRAB / KamRAB) is given separately for post-exposure.
Publicly funded: Post-exposure prophylaxis is publicly funded and coordinated through public health. Pre-exposure (travel/occupation) is usually private.

Patient script & side effects

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start. After any bite, scratch, or bat contact, wash the wound for 15 minutes and seek urgent medical/public-health advice — even if vaccinated before.

Side effects: Sore arm, headache, nausea, or mild fever.

Notes & sources

Post-exposure is arranged through public health (funded). Pre-exposure travel doses are usually private and can be given by a pharmacist.

Product-specific contraindications; immunocompromised people may need modified management.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: PEP schedule must be followed closely; PrEP updated guidance released January 2026; exposure assessment updated April 2026.
Catch-up: For PEP, delayed dose should be given as soon as possible and schedule resumed; uncertain responses may require serology.
Funding model: PEP often coordinated through public health; PrEP funding varies by occupation/program/travel.

Source last updated 2026-06 / 2026-04

Smallpox/mpox vaccine (Imvamune and related)

Protects against: Mpox/smallpox

Funding varies

Ontario pharmacyPharmacist: yesPharmacy tech: yesNot free at pharmacy

Who it's for: Eligible high-risk groups and post-exposure situations.
Dose / series: 2 doses, at least 28 days apart.
Brands: Imvamune.
Publicly funded: Free for eligible high-risk groups and post-exposure situations through public health.

Patient script & side effects

Imvamune helps prevent mpox. Two doses are recommended for eligible people. It is not a treatment once symptoms start — call public health if exposed or symptomatic.

Side effects: Injection-site redness, itching or swelling, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches.

Notes & sources

Provided through public-health eligibility, not general travel. A pharmacist can administer to ages 5+.

Product-specific contraindications; immunocompromised and pregnancy considerations require review.

National schedule, catch-up & sources

Routine timing: CIG updated mpox traveller guidance June 2026; NACI 2025 updated Imvamune guidance.
Catch-up: Dose completion depends on risk program and prior doses.
Funding model: Public funding and access generally via public health risk programs.

Source last updated 2026-06