Catch up, Keep up, Stay on Track!
Getting vaccinated is an important way to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy from serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. Protect yourself and others around you by making sure you get all recommended publicly funded vaccines on time.
Routine Immunization Clinics
Publicly funded vaccines are offered at clinics located in all our health unit offices. We provide vaccines for infants, children, youth and adults who are eligible or overdue for routine immunizations and who do not have access to vaccines through a health care provider. These vaccines are available by appointment only. You will need a separate appointment for each person being immunized.
Click here to book an appointment online. Or call Heath Connection at 1-877-721-7520 (toll free) or 1-705-721-7520, Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.
These appointments are NOT for the COVID-19 vaccine. For the COVID-19 vaccine, book online here.
Keep reading to learn about Ontario's publicly funded routine immunization program that makes it easy for you and your family to catch up, keep up and stay on track with the recommended vaccinations at all stages of life.
Children and Youth
In the first few years of life, children are at risk of contracting serious diseases that can be prevented through vaccines. These diseases can cause very serious illness and even death.
As children continue to grow and enter childcare and school, having up-to-date immunizations helps ensure that they have the best protection possible against certain diseases that can be very serious or even fatal. It also helps reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in childcares and schools.
Routine Immunizations for Adults
As an adult, staying up to date with your vaccinations is important. Vaccines are safe and immunization is one of the easiest ways to protect your health as well as your family, friends and community. Some childhood vaccines don't provide us with lifelong immunity and therefore we need a booster to boost our immunity. Life events such as pregnancy and aging also are specific times to ensure your immunity is boosted.
There are other vaccines that may be recommended for you based on your age, medical history, occupation, lifestyle, immigration and/or other risks. Additionally, not all vaccines are publicly funded (free). Your health care provider may recommend vaccines that are not free, but they may be covered by extended health insurance. For more information, please see your health care provider or pharmacist.
Travel
You may need vaccines when you travel outside Canada. These vaccines will be based on where you are going and what vaccines you already have.
SMDHU does not provide travel vaccines. Be sure to consult with your health care provider or a travel clinic two to three months before you travel. This should allow enough time to make sure the vaccines you need are available, and you receive all necessary doses of vaccines before you travel.
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada to obtain more information and recommendations based on your travel destination and other tips while traveling.