How to Find Your Vaccine Records
Unless you had a mother like mine who still has her paper vaccine records from the 1950’s, you may be at a loss of how to find out which vaccines you received as a child, or how to locate your records. There is no centralized database of immunization records in BC, so finding your vaccine records is not always straightforward. There are several places to look for your vaccine records:
Public Health
If you were immunized as a child at a Public Health unit or in school, you can request your immunization records from your local Public Health Unit.
If you grew up outside of BC, contact the Public Health Department of the province where you grew up to request a vaccine record.
If you didn’t have any luck finding your records at Public Health, you might have been born before electronic records were kept. Records should be available for those born in the 1990’s or later.
Paper Records
You or your parents may have a paper record at home of the vaccines you received as a child. Try look through baby books or other documents from your childhood.
Travel Clinic
If you received immunizations for travel, school, or work at TravelSafe Clinic or another travel clinic, you can request a vaccine record from the clinic that you visited.
Doctor’s Office or Pharmacy
A common place to receive vaccines is at your family doctor or pharmacy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if they have any vaccine records for you. If you’ve had many doctors over the years you may have to contact several offices.
Health Gateway
Health Gateway is a secure way for British Columbians to access a single view of your health information on your mobile device including immunization records from Public Health and community pharmacies. To access your immunization records on the Health Gateway app:
- Login to the Health Gateway
- Select ‘Export Records’ from the drop-down menu at the top left corner.
- Select ‘Immunizations’ under the Record Type drop down menu and click ‘download’ and ‘PDF’. You should then be able to see a list of immunizations received at a pharmacy or Public Health, including COVID-19 immunization records.
Keeping a Record
It can prove difficult to find your vaccine records and without a centralized database it’s up to you to keep track of your immunizations. It’s important to keep a personal record of any vaccines you receive, especially if you receive vaccines at different places. There are a few ways to do this:
CANImmunize:
CANImmunize is a digital app for Canadians to securely store vaccine records. Once you create an account you can create an immunization record each time you receive a vaccine.
Paper Records:
You may be given a vaccine record booklet or card if you receive vaccines at a travel clinic or Public Health unit. Bring this booklet with you to be updated any time you receive a vaccine at any location. Vaccine record cards are available to download and print here:
Childhood Immunization Record Card
Adult Immunization Record Card
Generic Immunization Record Card
Still Can’t Find Your Records?
Despite your best efforts you may be unable to locate your immunization records. Don’t fret! The health care professionals at TravelSafe Clinic are here to help. If you need vaccines for travel, school, or work we can determine which ones you need, even if you don’t have a previous record. Simply call us at 604-251-1975 or email us at info@travelsafeclinic.ca to book an appointment for a vaccine review or travel consultation.
