Where to get children or youth vaccinated

Where can my child or youth receive immunizations?

Vaccinations at your health care provider’s office

In Ontario, routine vaccines are usually given at your health care provider’s office such as at your family doctor’s or nurse practitioner’s office. Routine vaccines can also be given at some walk-in clinics. If your child requires routine vaccine(s), please contact their health care provider. 

If you are currently looking for a health care provider please register with Health Care Connect, and a nurse will help you find a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in our community. 

School Vaccination Clinics for grades 7 and 8

Ottawa Public Health offers grade 7 vaccination clinics. This year, school vaccination clinics will also include grade 8 students who missed receiving their vaccine(s) in grade 7. It is important to read the parent memo below for more detailed information about these clinics. Please also fill out the consent form below and ensure your youth brings it to school with them. Be sure to discuss the vaccines your youth needs with them ahead of time. For more information see the memo to parents, also found below.

School Vaccine Consent Form
English Arabic Simplified Chinese Somali

School vaccine consent form (pdf - 251 KB)

نموذج المدرسة للموافقة عىل اللقاح

(pdf - 560 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

 

学校疫苗接种同意书 (pdf - 499 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

FOOMKA OGGOLAANSHAHA EE TALLAALKA DUGSIGA (pdf - 466 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Memo to Parents
English Arabic Simplified Chinese Somali

Memo to Parents (pdf - 318 KB)

مذكرة إلى آباء وأمهات الطلاب في الصف7السابع

(pdf - 560 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

家长备忘录 - (pdf - 486 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Xusuus-qorka ee waalidiinta - (pdf - 304 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

The following vaccines are offered at the grade 7 vaccination clinics. Please find the fact sheet in your preferred language for vaccine related information.

Les fiches d’information
English Arabic Simplified Chinese Somali

Meningitis fact sheet (pdf - 184 KB)

لقاح التيتانوس، والدفترييا والسعال يك الدي،

(Tdap)

(pdf - 411 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

脑膜炎和疫苗 (pdf - 328 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Tallaalka Meningokokal ee Isku dhafan ACYW-135 (pdf - 253 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Human papilloma virus fact sheet (pdf - 205 KB)

لقاح فريوس ي
يم الب
الورم الحلي
(HPV)

(pdf - 300 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)和疫苗 (pdf - 420 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Tallaalka Cagaarshowga B (HB) (pdf - 286 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Hepatitis B fact sheet (pdf - 257 KB)

لقاح التهاب الكبد ب B H

(pdf - 498 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

乙肝病毒和疫苗 - Simplified Chinese (pdf - 488 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Tallaalka Babilimofayras ee Dadka (HPV) (pdf - 245 KB)

This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.

Find below, locations and dates for school clinics.

Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)
Clinics
School Fall 2022 Dates Spring 2023 Dates
Mer Bleue October 13 and 14, 2022 April 13 and 14, 2023
Franco-Cité December 7, 8 and 9, 2022 June 9, 12 and 13 2023
Beatrice Desloges November 15, 16 and 18, 2022

May 17, 18 and 19, 2023

St. Guillaume November 14, 2022

May 15, 2023

Franco-Ouest September 19 and 20, 2022

March 30 and 31, 2023

Pierre-Savard November 9, 10, 14 and 17 2022 May 11, 12 and 15, 2023
Garneau October 17 and 18, 2022

June 1 and 2, 2023

Samuel-Genest November 3 and 4, 2022

May 4 and 5, 2023

Paul Desmarais November 30 and December 1, 2022

June 6 and 7, 2023

Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO)
Clinics
School Fall 2022 Dates Spring 2023 Dates
Maurice Lapointe September 22, 2022 March 23, 2023
Trille des Bois October 3, 2022 April 3, 2023
Julie Payette October 25, 2022 April 26, 2023
Louis Riel October 6 and 7, 2022

April 11 and 12, 2023

Omers-Deslauriers November 28 and 29, 2022 May 30 and 31, 2023
Gisèle-Lalonde October 19 and 20, 2022

April 24 and May 2 2023

De La Salle December 14, 15 and 16, 2022 June 14, 15 and 16, 2023
Pierre-de-blois November 7 and 8, 2022 May 8 and 9, 2023
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
Clinics
School Fall 2022 Dates Spring 2023 Dates
Heritage PS November 14, 2022 May 15, 2023
Castor Valley September 27, 2022 March 28, 2023
Featherston September 19, 2022

March 20, 2023

Katimavik September 22, 2022 March 24, 2023
A. Lorne Cassidy November 2 and 3, 2022 May 3 and 4, 2023
Maple Ridge October 4, 2022 April 4, 2023
Sir Robert Borden September 19, 20 and 21, 2022 March 20, 21 and 22, 2023
Glen Cairn September 23 and 26, 2022 March 24 and 27, 2023
Steve MacLean

September 26 and 27, 2022

March 27 and 28, 2023
Vimy Ridge September 28, 2022 March 29, 2023
D Roy Kennedy September 29, 2022 March 31, 2023
Terry Fox October 11, 2022 April 11, 2023
Fallingbrook October 14, 2022 April 17, 2023
Sawmill Creek October 26, 2022 April 18, 2023
York Street  December 5, 2022 June 5, 2023
Earl of March October 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2022 April 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2023
Dunning Foubert October 5, 2022 April 5, 2023
Glashan October 5, 6, and 11, 2022 April 5, 6, and 11, 2023
Hopewell November 28, 2022 June 5, 2023
Blossom Park October 24, 2022 April 24, 2023
Trillium PS November 14, 2022 May 15, 2023
Merivale HS September 22 and 23, 2022 March 22 and 23, 2023
Vincent Massey November 17, 2022 May 18, 2023
W.O. Mitchell October 25, 2022 April 25, 2023
Metcalfe November 3, 2022 May 4, 2023
Roberta Bondar October 26 and 27, 2022 April 26 and 27, 2023
Cedarview October 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2022 April 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2023
Bell HS October 27 and 28, 2022 April 27 and 28, 2023
Kars on the Rideau November 29 and 30, 2022 May 29 and 30, 2023
Queen Elizabeth November 7, 2022 May 8, 2023
Longfields October 19, 20, 21 and 24, 2022

April 19, 20, 21 and 24, 2023

Hawthorne November 16, 2022 May 16, 2023
Woodroofe November 7, 2022 May 8, 2023
Huntley Centennial November 18, 2023 May 19, 2023
Stonecrest November 18, 2022

May 19, 2023

Altavista November 16, 2022 May 16, 2023
Summerside October 4, 2022

April 4, 2023

Pinecrest November 17, 2022 May 17, 2023
Henry Larson November 21, 2022 May 24, 2023
Agincourt November 23 and 24, 2022 May 25, 2023
Fielding Drive November 21, 2022 May 23, 2023
Emily Carr September 20 and 21, 2022

March 21 and 22, 2023

Henry Munro September 28 and 29, 2022

March 30 and 31, 2023

Fisher Park PS / Summit Alt

November 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2022

May 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2023
Jack Donohue November 8 and 9, 2022

May 9 and 10, 2023

Goulburn December 12, 13, and 14, 2022 June 13, 14, and 15, 2023
Broadview December 8 and 9, 2022 June 9 and 12, 2023
Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
Clinics
School Fall 2022 Dates Spring 2023 Dates
Notre Dame October 14 and 17, 2022 April 14 and 17, 2023
Lester B September 22 and 23, 2022 March 23 and 24, 2023
Frank Ryan

October 12 and 13, 2022

April 12 and 13, 2023
St. Patrick

October 12 and 13, 2022

April 12 and 13, 2022
All Saints September 27, 28 and 29, 2022 March 28, 29 and 30, 2023
St. Paul High School November 30 and December 1, 2022 May 31 and June 1, 2023
St. Francis Xavier December 6, 7 and 8, 2022 June 8, 9 and 12, 2023
St. Matthew HS November 1 and 2, 2022 May 2 and 3, 2023
St. Michael Fitzroy November 22, 2022 June 1, 2023
St. Peter HS November 8, 9 and 10, 2022 May 9, 10 and 11, 2023
Mother Teresa December 5, 6 and 7 2022

June 6, 7 and 8 2023

St. Joseph October 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2022

April 19, 20 and 21, 2023

Immaculata December 5 and 6, 2022 June 6 and 7, 2023
St. Mark HS November 28 and 29, 2022 May 30 and 31, 2023
Holy Trinity November 22, 23, 24 and 25 2022 May 23, 24, 25 and 26 2023
Sacred Heart October 31, November 1, 2 and 4, 2022

May 1, 2 and 3, 2023

Private schools
Clinics
School Fall 2022 Dates Spring 2023 Dates
McDonald Cartier October 12, 2022 April 25, 2023
Elmwood October 18, 2022 April 18, 2023
Turnbull October 3, 2022 April 3, 2023
Centre Jules-Léger September 21, 2022 March 29, 2023
Heritage Academy

November 25, 2022

June 5, 2023
Ahlul Bayt October 21, 2022 April 21, 2023
Joan of Arc October 17, 2022 April 18, 2023
Ottawa Islamic October 28, 2022 May 1, 2023
Ottawa Jewish school October 31, 2022 May 1, 2023
Ottawa Christian December 2, 2022 June 2, 2023
Westboro November 1, 2022 May 5, 2023
St Laurent Academy November 4, 2022 May 5, 2023
Lycee-Claudel November 25, 2022 May 29, 2023
Kanata Montessori September 26, 2022 April 14, 2023
The Element December 2, 2022 June 2, 2023
Abraar November 8, 2022 May 10, 2023
School Immunization Catch-up Clinics for grades 7 to 12

Ottawa Public Health  will hold catch-up clinics in high schools for youth in grades 7 to 12 who missed the opportunity to receive their vaccine(s) due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Four vaccines will be offered including the meningococcal (pdf - 184 KB), human papillomavirus (pdf - 205 KB) and hepatitis B vaccines (pdf - 257 KB) and the 3 in 1 tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine.

The following vaccine consent forms will be sent electronically to families to print off, or a form can be picked up in the school office: 

Catch-up clinic dates will be added as clinics are confirmed. You will receive information from your youth’s school by email to let you know when Ottawa Public Health will be offering a clinic. 

Confirmed catch-up clinic dates
School Dates
South Carleton High School Friday, March 10, 2023
Ridgemont High School  Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Canterbury High School  Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Colonel By Secondary School  Thursday, March 23, 2023
Family and Community Vaccination Clinics
 

Family and Community Vaccination Clinics

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is now offering routine immunization services for children and youth who live in Ottawa and who are facing barriers in getting their routine immunizations in the community.

Clinic locations and hours of operation

 

Clinic

Address

Hours of operation

Orléans Client Service Centre

255 Centrum Boulevard

  • Monday March 27, 2023: 9:45 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday April 4, 2023: 12:45 to 7:00 pm
  • Thursday April 6, 2023: 9:45 am to 4:00 pm

J.H Putman 

Note: Due to road closures, the best access to this clinic is from Maitland Avenue

2051 Bel-Air Drive

  • Monday March 27, 2023: 9:45 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday March 29, 2023: 12:45 to 7 pm
  • Wednesday April 5, 2023: 12:45 to 7:00 pm
  • Thursday April 6, 2023: 9:45 am to 4:00 pm

Tom Brown Arena

141 Bayview Road

  • Tuesday March 28, 2023: 12:50 to 7:10 pm
  • Wednesday March 29, 2023: 12:50 to 7:10 pm

The Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre

2260 Walkley Road

  •  Monday April 3, 2023: 9:45 am to 4:00 pm

Century Public School

8 Redpine Drive
  • Tuesday March 28, 2023: 12:50 to 7:10 pm
  • Wednesday March 29, 2023: 12:50 to 7:10 pm

  • Thursday March 30, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm

  •  Friday March 31, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm

  •  Saturday April 1, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm

Orleans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA 265 Centrum Boulevard
  • Thursday April 6, 2023: 9:45 am to 4:00 pm
Kanata Recreation Complex 100 Charlie Rogers Place
  • Thursday March 30, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm

  • Friday March 31, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School 1515 Tenth Line Road
  • Wednesday March 29, 2023: 12:50 to 7:10 pm
  • Thursday March 30, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm
  • Friday March 31, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm
  • Saturday April 1, 2023: 9:50 am to 4:10 pm

 

You can book an appointment for your child or youth if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

  • your child is a newcomer to Canada;
  • your child does not have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP);
  • your child does not have a primary health care provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner;
  • your child is currently unable to access vaccines through their health care provider.

Book a vaccination appointment

For school-based vaccines, you are eligible to book an appointment if your youth identifies with one or more of the following criteria:

  • Your youth in grade 7 or 8 was unable to attend or receive school-based vaccines at their school clinic
  • Your youth in grades 9 to 12 has not completed their school-based vaccine series normally administered at school in grade 7 (hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal conjugate vaccine)

School-based vaccines offered include:

Note: Due to COVID-19, eligibility for some vaccines has been extended:

  • Girls born in 2002 and 2003 remain eligible for the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) until August 31, 2023.
  • Students born in 2004 remain eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine until August 31, 2023.
Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs

Ottawa Public Health is now offering routine vaccination services for children and youth who live in Ottawa and who are facing barriers getting their  routine vaccines in the community.

For routine childhood vaccines, you are eligible to drop-in if your child identifies with one or more of the following criteria:

  • your child is a newcomer to Canada;
  • your child does not have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP);
  • your child does not have a primary health care provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner;
  • your child is currently unable to access routine vaccines through their health care provider.

For school-based vaccines, you are eligible to drop-in if your youth identifies with one or more of the following criteria:

  • Your youth in grade 7 or 8 was unable to attend or receive school-based vaccines at their school clinic
  • Your youth in grades 9 to 12 has not completed their school-based vaccine series normally administered at school in grade 7 (hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal conjugate vaccine)

School-based vaccines offered include:

Note: Due to COVID-19, eligibility for some vaccines has been extended:

  • Girls born in 2002 and 2003 remain eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine until August 31, 2023.
  • Students born in 2004 remain eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine until August 31, 2023.
*Please see below for the hub locations offering school-based vaccines, routine childhood vaccines and other services. No appointment necessary.

Reducing pain during vaccination

Getting a vaccine can be a new experience for you and your baby. Toddlers and youth can sometimes be a bit afraid. Here are some helpful tips to reduce the pain of a vaccine. Give it your best shot!

For babies

Breastfeed

  • Breastfeed your baby five minutes before the injection, as well as during and after vaccinations, to reduce pain and to provide comfort.

Breastfeed to minimize vaccination pain - two months - YouTube

Breastfeed to minimize vaccination pain – six months - YouTube

Hold comfortably

  • Hold the baby close to your body, in a front-to-front position with both legs exposed. This reassuring close contact can help to reduce pain. 

Offer sugar water

  • For babies 12 months of age or less, who are not breastfed, give a few drops of sugar solution (on the tip of the infant's tongue) one minute before the injection. Repeat administration of a few drops of sugar solution just before the injection. The sweet solution provides a few minutes of pain relief during vaccination.
  • Purchase a pre-mixed sugar solution at a pharmacy or prepare one at home by mixing 5 mL (one teaspoon) sugar with 10 mL (two teaspoons) water. Do not use honey.
  • Never use sugar water at home to calm a fussy or crying baby, as this can lead to tooth decay.
  • Feed your baby or give sips of water to clean the baby's mouth after vaccination.
For toddlers and young children

Prepare your child ahead of time

  • Read stories about what happens when you visit the doctor.
  • Offer an honest explanation about what to expect. Prepare young children (under 4 years of age) just before the injection. Prepare older children the day before.
  • Describe how vaccination will feel (for example, like a pinch).
  • Tell your child what they can do to ease the pain (for example, sit still, breathe deeply, relax the arm).

Distract your child

  • Draw your child's attention away from the needle. This is one of the best ways that you can help your child. 
  • Distract your child with a favourite toy or blanket, a book, music, singing, or telling a joke or a story.
  • Tell your child to take a deep breath and to blow it out slowly. Blowing bubbles or blowing on a pinwheel can help also. 

Position your child in an upright position

Hold your young child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you (front to front), with the arm exposed. Lying flat on their back during an injection, or being held too tightly, can be scary for children and can increase their fear. Older children can sit alone if they wish, with the arm exposed.

If your child continues to move, ask your healthcare provider about the proper hold technique that is safest for your child.

Youth

Getting a vaccine might be scary for some youth. Try some of these helpful tips; they may be your best shot to help your youth overcome their fear.

Offer helpful distractions such as:

  • Talking to your youth
  • Having them listen to music with earphones
  • Getting them to play games or texting on a cell phone

For older children and youth who are very fearful, think about medications that numb the skin:

  • Talk to your health care provider about creams such as EMLA® or Ametop® that can help numb the skin. They are available without a prescription.
  • Ask your health care provider to show you the right locations to apply the cream. Keep in mind that, on some visits, more than one injection may be given. Read the instructions before applying the product. It must be on the skin 30 to 60 minutes before the injection(s). 
  • Offering praise and a reward after vaccinations can help children and youth of all ages! 

Looking for more information?

Do you have more questions about parenting?

  • Speak with a Public Health Nurse. Call the Ottawa Public Health Information Center (Ottawa Public HealthIC) at 613-PARENTS [613-727-3687] (TTY: 613-580-9656) or email Ottawa Public Health at ParentinginOttawa@ottawa.ca
  • Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page
  • There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa 

Contact Us