Kids and Teens

Immunization is one of the best and most effective ways to protect against disease at any age and stage of life.

Just like children, adolescents need immunizations too. As children grow, the protection they received against diseases from some childhood vaccines – such as diphtheria, meningococcal, and tetanus (lockjaw) – begins to wear off. For the protection to continue, boosters are required against these diseases. Some vaccines provide optimal protection against disease when given during adolescence, like HPV.

It is important to keep up to date with immunizations during the school years and into young adulthood, to ensure protection remains. Ask your physician, nurse, pharmacist, or local public health office about immunizations needed in adolescence to ensure protection.

Information about your province or territory's vaccine schedule can be found here

For further reading, see:

The Public Health Agency of Canada's A Teen’s Guide to Vaccination.


Last Updated: 13 February 2024