FAMILY IMMUNIZATION GUIDE

Which Vaccines Does Your Family Need?

Select a life stage to see recommended vaccines, what's covered by Alberta Health, and what you can get right here at the pharmacy.

Alberta's childhood immunization schedule covers most vaccines at no cost. Our pharmacists can administer vaccines to children age 2 and older (updated Feb 2025).

💉DTaP-IPV-HibAlberta Covered

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus. Given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months.

🛡️MMRAlberta Covered

Measles, mumps, rubella. Given at 12 months and 4–6 years. Critical for school entry.

💧Varicella (Chickenpox)Alberta Covered

Given at 12 months and 4–6 years. Prevents chickenpox and future shingles risk.

🧠Meningococcal CAlberta Covered

Protects against bacterial meningitis. Given at 12 months.

🤧Annual Flu ShotAlberta Covered

Free for all Albertans. Available every fall at our pharmacy (age 2+ in-pharmacy).

🩸Hepatitis APrivate Pay

Recommended before traveling internationally. Not part of the routine Alberta schedule but available at our pharmacy.

The teen years include important booster doses and new vaccines. Several are provided free through the Alberta school immunization program.

💉HPV (Gardasil 9)Grade 6 — Free

Prevents cervical cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. Free for Grade 6 students. Available privately for older teens.

🧠Meningococcal ACWYGrade 9 — Free

Broader meningitis protection. Given in Grade 9 through school programs.

💪Tdap BoosterGrade 9 — Free

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster. Important for ongoing protection through adulthood.

🤧Annual Flu ShotAlberta Covered

Free for all Albertans every fall. Walk-in at our pharmacy.

🩸Hepatitis BCatch-Up Available

If missed in the school program, catch-up doses are available at our pharmacy.

Many adults are overdue for boosters or have never received certain vaccines. Alberta pharmacists can assess your immunization history and administer all of these.

🤧Annual Flu ShotAlberta Covered

Free for all Albertans. Walk in every fall — no appointment needed.

😷COVID-19 BoosterAlberta Covered

Updated formulations available. Check current Alberta Health recommendations for your age group.

💪Td/Tdap BoosterEvery 10 Years

Tetanus and diphtheria booster needed every 10 years. Many adults are overdue. We'll check your records.

💉HPV (Gardasil 9)Ages 18–45

If not vaccinated as a teen, the HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 45. Private pay or insurance.

🩸Hepatitis A & BPrivate Pay

Recommended for travelers, healthcare workers, and anyone at risk. Combination vaccine available (Twinrix).

✈️Travel VaccinesBy Destination

Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, Rabies, and more. Visit our Travel Clinic page.

Adults 50+ have specific vaccine needs as immune function naturally declines. Several important vaccines are not covered by Alberta Health — but may be covered by your private insurance.

Shingrix (Shingles)Strongly Recommended

Over 90% effective. 2 doses, 2–6 months apart. ~$150–200/dose. May be covered by private insurance. Take our Shingles Risk Check.

🫁Pneumococcal (Prevnar 20)65+ May Be Covered

Single dose. Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Check eligibility with our pharmacist.

🤧High-Dose Flu Shot65+ Alberta Covered

Fluzone High-Dose is specifically designed for seniors with weakened immune response. Free for 65+.

💪Td BoosterEvery 10 Years

Don't assume childhood vaccines still protect you. Tetanus boosters are needed every decade.

😷COVID-19 BoosterAlberta Covered

Updated boosters especially important for seniors. Available at our pharmacy.

Certain vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby. Others should be given before or after pregnancy. Our pharmacist can review your situation.

💪Tdap (Pertussis)Recommended Each Pregnancy

Given between 27–32 weeks of each pregnancy. Protects the newborn from whooping cough through maternal antibodies. Covered by Alberta Health.

🤧Flu ShotAlberta Covered

Safe and recommended during any trimester. Pregnant women are at higher risk of flu complications.

😷COVID-19Alberta Covered

mRNA vaccines recommended during pregnancy. COVID-19 carries increased pregnancy complications.

⚠️Live Vaccines — AvoidNot During Pregnancy

MMR, Varicella, and live flu vaccine should NOT be given during pregnancy. If needed, give at least 4 weeks before conception or after delivery.

Not sure if you're up to date? Walk in with your Alberta Health Care card and we'll review your immunization records through Netcare.