Childhood Vaccinations: What's Free and What Costs Extra

Childhood Vaccines in Canada: The Basics

Canada's publicly funded vaccination programs cover the majority of recommended childhood vaccines at no cost to families. However, coverage varies by province, and some important vaccines fall outside the funded schedule — meaning parents may face out-of-pocket costs of $100–$600 for optional but recommended immunizations.

Universally Funded Vaccines (Free in All Provinces)

The following vaccines are provided free to all Canadian children through public health programs:

Vaccines That May Cost Extra

These vaccines are recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) but not funded in all provinces:

Meningococcal B (Bexsero)

• Cost: $130–$170 per dose (2–4 doses depending on age)
• Total cost: $260–$680
• Funded in: Some provinces for high-risk groups only; PEI and parts of Quebec fund universally
• Why it matters: Meningococcal B causes the most common type of bacterial meningitis in young children

Meningococcal ACWY (Menactra/Menveo)

• Cost: $100–$150 per dose
• Funded in: Most provinces fund one dose in adolescence; infant doses are not always covered
• Why it matters: Important for teens heading to university, where outbreaks occur

Hepatitis A

• Cost: $45–$70 per dose (2 doses)
• Total cost: $90–$140
• Funded in: Some provinces; others require out-of-pocket payment or cover only high-risk groups

Travel Vaccines

If your family travels internationally, additional vaccines may be needed:

• Typhoid: $45–$65
• Yellow fever: $150–$200
• Japanese encephalitis: $200–$300 per dose

Province-by-Province Variations

How to Save on Non-Funded Vaccines

Check your private insurance. Many employer benefit plans cover vaccines that provincial programs do not. Coverage of $500–$1,000/year per family member for immunizations is common.

Ask your public health unit. Some regions occasionally offer subsidized clinics for vaccines like Meningococcal B.

Compare pharmacy prices. Pharmacies charge different administration fees on top of the vaccine cost. Use TransparentMedz to compare.

Buy the vaccine at a lower-cost pharmacy and bring it to your doctor for administration (some doctors allow this).

Claim the Medical Expense Tax Credit. Vaccine costs are an eligible medical expense on your tax return.

Catch-Up Vaccines

If your child has missed scheduled vaccines, catch-up doses are available for free through public health. Contact your local public health unit to arrange an updated schedule.

The Bottom Line

Most essential childhood vaccines are free in Canada, but families should budget $200–$600 for recommended vaccines that fall outside provincial funding. Check your private insurance first, compare pharmacy prices on TransparentMedz, and talk to your pediatrician about which optional vaccines are most important for your family's situation.