If you’re preparing for a Canadian immigration medical exam, you’ve probably noticed that vaccines come up a lot—and for good reason. People often worry they’ll be turned away if they’re missing a shot, or that they’ll have to track down decades-old paperwork at the last minute. The reality is usually less stressful than it sounds, but it helps to understand how vaccination requirements fit into the bigger immigration-medical picture.

This guide walks through what vaccines are typically expected for Canadian immigration medical exams, how panel physicians think about immunization history, and what to do if your records are missing or incomplete. We’ll also talk about practical next steps—how to prepare, what to bring, and how to avoid common delays—so you can focus on your application rather than spiraling into “what if” scenarios.

One quick note up front: the medical exam is not a “pass/fail” vaccine test in the way some people imagine. Vaccines matter, but the exam’s purpose is broader—identifying conditions that may impact public health or create excessive demand on health services. Vaccines are one piece of the overall health puzzle, and the process is designed to be workable even when documentation isn’t perfect.

How vaccines fit into the Canadian immigration medical exam process

Canadian immigration medical exams are performed by IRCC-approved panel physicians. The exam typically includes a medical history, physical exam, and tests like a chest X-ray and bloodwork (depending on age and the type of application). Vaccines are not always administered during the exam itself, but your immunization history may be reviewed and documented.

Many applicants assume Canada has a single, rigid vaccine checklist that must be completed before the exam. In practice, what happens is more nuanced: the clinic may ask about your vaccination history, note what’s known, and advise you on what’s recommended based on your age, risk factors, and what you can reasonably document.

It’s also important to separate two concepts that get mixed together online: (1) what IRCC’s medical exam requires for immigration processing, and (2) what Canadian public health authorities recommend for residents once they arrive. Even if a missing record doesn’t stop your medical file from being submitted, you may still want to catch up on routine vaccines for your own protection and for smoother access to school, work, or certain programs later.

Common vaccines that may be reviewed or recommended

Canada’s routine immunization schedule includes many of the same vaccines you’ll see in other countries, but names and combinations can vary. During an immigration medical exam, clinics generally focus on establishing a reasonable immunization history rather than re-vaccinating everyone from scratch.

Below are the vaccines that most commonly come up in conversations about immigration medical exams and settlement in Canada. Think of this as a “most asked about” list rather than a one-size-fits-all requirement.

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

MMR is one of the most frequently discussed vaccines because measles outbreaks still occur globally, and proof of immunity is often requested for school or certain workplaces. If you had two documented doses in childhood, that’s typically considered complete for most people.

If you don’t have records, you’re not automatically stuck. Some people choose to do a blood test (serology/titers) to check immunity, while others simply get vaccinated again—MMR is generally safe to repeat if you’re not sure, but your healthcare provider should guide you based on your personal situation.

For adults who are unsure, the practical approach is often: document what you can, and if there’s no proof, discuss either serology or re-vaccination. The “best” option depends on timing, budget, pregnancy considerations, and local medical advice.

Tdap/Td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Tetanus and diphtheria boosters are common adult vaccines, and pertussis (whooping cough) protection is especially relevant if you’ll be around infants. Many countries give childhood doses, then boosters every 10 years (or similar schedules).

Because tetanus boosters are routine, people often remember getting “a tetanus shot” after an injury but don’t have paperwork. If you can’t confirm dates, a clinician may recommend an updated dose, particularly if it’s been many years or you’re uncertain.

In Canada, Tdap is often recommended in adulthood at least once, with Td boosters after that. If you’re pregnant, Tdap timing can be particularly important—your provider will advise you based on gestational age and local guidelines.

Varicella (chickenpox)

Varicella is another vaccine where history matters. If you clearly had chickenpox as a child, that can sometimes be accepted as evidence of immunity, but documentation is stronger if you can get it. Some people do serology testing to confirm immunity.

If you never had chickenpox (or aren’t sure), vaccination may be recommended. This is especially relevant for adults because chickenpox can be more severe later in life, and it can complicate pregnancy.

As with MMR, repeating varicella vaccination may be an option if records are missing, but it’s not something to decide casually—talk it through with a clinician, especially if pregnancy is possible or if you’re immunocompromised.

Polio

Polio vaccination is part of routine childhood schedules in many countries. Adults who completed a full childhood series are generally considered protected, though some travelers or higher-risk individuals may need boosters depending on exposure risk.

For immigration purposes, the key issue is usually documentation rather than needing new doses. If you’re missing childhood records, you can sometimes obtain them from pediatric clinics, schools, or public health databases in your home country.

If records are truly unavailable, your clinician may recommend a catch-up schedule. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to update polio documentation as part of building a complete Canadian immunization record.

Hepatitis B (and sometimes Hepatitis A)

Hepatitis B vaccination is widely recommended and often part of infant or school-based programs. Some adults also receive it for work, travel, or personal risk factors. If you’re working in healthcare, childcare, or other settings with exposure risk, proof of vaccination (or immunity) can be important.

If you’re unsure whether you completed the series, serology can sometimes help clarify immunity. If you didn’t complete it, a catch-up schedule can be started and continued after you arrive.

Hepatitis A is more situational—often recommended based on travel, regional risk, or personal health considerations. It may come up during settlement health planning even if it’s not central to the immigration medical exam itself.

Influenza and COVID-19

Seasonal flu vaccination is typically recommended annually, especially for higher-risk groups. Whether it’s directly relevant to your immigration medical paperwork depends on timing and current public health context, but it’s commonly encouraged for general health.

COVID-19 guidance has changed over time and can vary based on program requirements, travel rules, and public health updates. If you’re unsure what applies to your situation right now, rely on current official guidance and your panel physician clinic’s instructions rather than old forum posts.

If you’re trying to coordinate vaccines around travel dates, work start dates, or school enrollment, it’s worth making a simple timeline so you don’t end up stacking too many appointments at the last minute.

What happens if you don’t have vaccine records?

Missing records are incredibly common. People move countries, clinics close, paper booklets get lost, names change, and childhood vaccines may have been recorded in formats that don’t translate neatly. The good news is that “no records” usually doesn’t mean “no options.”

Clinics and healthcare providers generally approach this in a practical way: confirm what you can, document uncertainty honestly, and then decide whether to test for immunity or re-vaccinate based on medical appropriateness. The right path depends on your age, health status, pregnancy plans, time constraints, and the vaccines in question.

Start with a realistic record search (without letting it take over your life)

Before you assume everything is gone, try a quick, focused search. Look for childhood immunization booklets, old school records, employment health files, travel clinic receipts, and any scanned PDFs in email or cloud storage. If your country has a national or regional immunization registry, you may be able to request a printout.

If you have access to family members who might still have documents, ask them to check. Many people find a vaccination card tucked into a passport sleeve or stored with birth certificates. Even partial records help because they can reduce unnecessary repeat doses.

When you find something, take clear photos and keep them backed up. If the documents aren’t in English or French, ask the clinic whether you need a translation. Often, clinics can interpret common vaccine names, but formal translation may be useful for complex histories.

Serology (titers): when blood tests can help

Serology testing checks for antibodies to determine whether you’re likely immune to certain diseases. It can be helpful for vaccines like MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B, where antibody levels often correlate with protection.

That said, serology isn’t perfect. Not every vaccine has a straightforward antibody test, and results can sometimes be ambiguous. Also, testing can add cost and time, which matters when you’re trying to meet application deadlines.

If you’re considering titers, ask your healthcare provider which tests are actually useful for your situation and how results will be documented. The goal is to make your medical file clearer, not to create extra steps that don’t change the plan.

Re-vaccination: often simpler than people expect

For many routine vaccines, receiving additional doses is safe if you can’t confirm what you had before. This can be the simplest option when records are missing and time is short. It also creates clean, modern documentation that you can use in Canada going forward.

However, re-vaccination isn’t always appropriate for everyone. Live vaccines (like MMR and varicella) have specific considerations for pregnancy and immunocompromised individuals. That’s why it’s important to talk to a clinician rather than deciding based on internet advice.

If you do re-vaccinate, keep a tidy record of what you received, when, and where. Ask for a printed receipt or immunization record and store it digitally. This becomes your new baseline.

How to prepare for your appointment so vaccines don’t become a last-minute scramble

Even when vaccines aren’t the main event of the immigration medical exam, being prepared can prevent delays and repeated appointments. The goal is to show up with enough information that the clinic can document your history properly and advise you on next steps without guesswork.

Preparation also helps you manage costs. People often focus on the exam fee itself, but the total out-of-pocket amount can include extra lab tests, X-rays, translations, and vaccine updates—especially if you’re building your records from scratch.

Bring the right documents (and make them easy to read)

Bring any immunization records you have, even if they’re incomplete. If you have multiple documents (a childhood card, a travel clinic receipt, a recent pharmacy printout), bring them all. The clinic can often piece together a clearer timeline from several partial sources.

Make sure names and dates are consistent. If your name changed due to marriage or other reasons, bring supporting ID so the clinic can confidently match records to you. If your records use a different calendar system or abbreviations, flag that for the clinic.

It also helps to bring a simple one-page summary you create yourself: what you believe you’ve had (e.g., “MMR x2, last around age 6”), what you’re unsure about, and any known allergies or previous vaccine reactions. Clear communication saves time.

Plan around timing rules for certain vaccines

Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over weeks or months. If you’re missing a series (like hepatitis B), you may not be able to complete it before your immigration medical exam date—and that’s okay. The key is to start when appropriate and document the plan.

Live vaccines can have spacing considerations too. If you need more than one live vaccine, they may need to be given on the same day or separated by a specific interval. Your provider will guide you, but it’s helpful to know that “I’ll just get them all this week” isn’t always possible.

If you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, mention that early. It affects which vaccines are recommended and when. Good clinics will ask, but it’s still worth bringing up proactively.

Budgeting: the exam fee is only part of the picture

Applicants often ask what they should expect financially, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you already have documented and what additional testing or vaccines you might need. The base exam fee is usually straightforward, but add-ons can vary.

If you’re comparing clinics or trying to estimate your total spend, it helps to look at a transparent breakdown of services and fees. For example, this page on immigration medical exam cost gives you a sense of how pricing can be presented and what might be included or separate.

Also remember that “cheapest” isn’t always the best value if it leads to repeat visits, unclear documentation, or long scheduling delays. A clinic that communicates clearly and submits results promptly can save you time—which is often the most expensive thing during immigration.

Special situations that can change the vaccine conversation

Not everyone’s situation fits the standard checklist mindset. Age, health conditions, pregnancy, and family plans can all change what vaccines are recommended, what’s safe, and what documentation matters most.

If any of these apply to you, it’s worth taking a more personalized approach rather than trying to copy someone else’s plan from a forum thread.

Pregnancy and planning for pregnancy

Pregnancy changes vaccine timing. Some vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy (like Tdap in many guidelines), while live vaccines are typically avoided. If you might be pregnant, say so before receiving any vaccines.

If you’re planning pregnancy soon, you may want to complete certain vaccines in advance. For example, MMR and varicella often have recommended waiting periods before trying to conceive after vaccination. Your provider can help you map this out so it doesn’t collide with immigration timelines.

For families immigrating together, coordinating vaccine timing across partners can reduce stress. One person might need catch-up doses while the other doesn’t, and it helps to plan appointments accordingly.

Children and teens: school requirements and catch-up schedules

If you’re immigrating with children, vaccines can become a bigger focus because Canadian schools often request immunization records. Even when immigration medical paperwork is moving forward, school enrollment can be smoother if you arrive with clear documentation.

Catch-up schedules for kids and teens can be very structured, and spacing matters. If your child’s records are missing, pediatric providers may recommend re-vaccination rather than extensive serology testing, depending on age and local practice.

It’s helpful to keep each child’s documents separate and clearly labeled. If you’re juggling multiple family members, a simple folder system (digital and paper) can prevent mix-ups.

Chronic health conditions and immunocompromised applicants

If you have a chronic condition or take medications that affect your immune system, vaccine decisions should be individualized. Some vaccines may be especially important, while others may be contraindicated or require special timing.

Bring a medication list and any specialist letters you have. This helps the panel physician understand your health context and document it accurately. It also helps if you need advice on which vaccines are safe and effective for you.

In these cases, don’t rush into re-vaccination just to “check a box.” A careful plan is safer and often leads to better documentation in the end.

Choosing a clinic and coordinating related medical needs

Many people book their immigration medical exam and then realize they have other medical paperwork to handle too—work forms, school forms, driver medicals, or follow-up tests. While these are separate from immigration, coordinating them can save time and reduce appointment fatigue.

It’s also normal to choose a clinic based on location, availability, and how clearly they explain the process. Clear instructions matter a lot when you’re dealing with vaccines, records, and deadlines all at once.

When you also need other medical forms (like driver medicals)

If you’re settling in Ontario, you might eventually need medical documentation for driving, especially for certain license categories or medical conditions. That’s not part of the immigration medical exam, but it often comes up during the same “life admin” period after arrival.

Some clinics offer multiple services, which can be convenient if you prefer to keep your health documentation in one place. If you’re looking for information on a driver medical exam in Ottawa, it can help you understand what that appointment involves and how it differs from immigration medicals.

Even if you don’t need a driver medical right away, it’s useful to know that these are separate processes with different forms, different criteria, and different submission pathways. Keeping them distinct in your planning prevents confusion.

Location, scheduling, and communication: small things that matter a lot

When you’re comparing clinics, look for clear instructions about what to bring, how results are submitted, and what happens if additional tests are needed. A clinic that explains things well can dramatically reduce anxiety—especially if you’re worried about missing vaccine records.

Scheduling matters too. Some clinics book weeks out, while others may have openings sooner. If your timeline is tight, ask about typical turnaround times for lab results and submission, and whether the clinic will contact you if anything is incomplete.

If you’re in the Ottawa area and want to get a sense of where to start, you can check details for an Orleans immigration clinic to see contact options and location information before you commit to an appointment.

Practical tips for building a “Canadian-ready” immunization record

Even if your immigration medical exam is the immediate goal, it helps to think one step ahead. Once you’re in Canada, you’ll likely be asked for immunization proof in everyday situations—enrolling kids in school, starting certain jobs, volunteering, or accessing specific healthcare services.

Creating a clean, organized immunization record now can save you a surprising amount of time later. Think of it as part of your settlement toolkit, like having your ID documents and proof of address ready.

Create a single master timeline (even if it starts imperfect)

Start a simple document (a spreadsheet works fine) listing each vaccine, date received, and where it was administered. If you’re unsure about a date, note it as approximate and mark it clearly. The point is transparency, not perfection.

Include supporting files: photos of vaccine cards, clinic receipts, lab results for titers, and any translations. Name your files consistently (e.g., “MMR_record_2012.pdf”) so you can find them quickly when someone asks.

Over time, this becomes your personal immunization archive. When you get new doses in Canada, add them right away so you never have to reconstruct the story again.

Ask for documentation every time you get a vaccine

It sounds obvious, but many people forget to request proof at the appointment, especially if they’re getting vaccinated at a pharmacy or walk-in clinic. Ask for a printed record or an official receipt that includes your name, date of birth, vaccine name, lot number (if available), and the date administered.

If the provider can enter it into a local registry, ask how you can access that information later. Different provinces handle immunization records differently, and it can take time for records to sync across systems.

Keep both paper and digital copies. A paper copy is handy for quick checks; a digital copy is safer long-term.

Don’t overdo it: focus on the vaccines that matter most for your life stage

When people discover they’re missing records, the temptation is to try to “get everything” immediately. That can lead to rushed decisions, unnecessary costs, and scheduling chaos.

A better approach is to prioritize: vaccines needed for school/work requirements, vaccines that protect against higher-risk diseases for your situation, and vaccines that are time-sensitive (like pregnancy-related recommendations).

Then, fill in the rest gradually with your primary care provider after you arrive. Immigration is already a lot—your vaccine plan should support your life, not take it over.

Common questions people ask (and the answers that actually help)

Vaccine questions tend to come with a lot of underlying stress: fear of delays, fear of costs, and fear of doing something “wrong” that could affect your application. These are some of the most common worries, with practical ways to think about them.

“Will I be refused if I’m missing vaccines?”

In most cases, missing vaccine records alone is not the thing that derails an application. The medical exam is primarily about identifying conditions that pose a public health risk or could create excessive demand. Vaccines are part of public health, but the process is designed to document reality, not to punish missing paperwork.

That said, incomplete information can slow things down if the clinic needs clarification or if additional steps are required. The best way to reduce risk is to bring whatever records you can, be honest about what you don’t know, and follow the clinic’s guidance.

If you’re unsure how your specific program treats vaccine history, ask the clinic directly rather than relying on generalized online advice. Different immigration pathways and personal circumstances can change what’s emphasized.

“Should I get vaccinated before the medical exam or wait?”

If you already know you’re missing key routine vaccines and it’s medically appropriate, getting started before the exam can simplify documentation. It can also reduce the chance you’ll be trying to squeeze in appointments during a busy period.

On the other hand, if you’re unsure what you need, or if you have health considerations (pregnancy, immune conditions, previous reactions), it may be better to wait and discuss a plan with a clinician first. There’s no universal rule that “everything must be done before the exam.”

A balanced strategy is to gather records first, then decide. Information is your friend here—once you know what’s missing, the plan becomes much clearer.

“What if my vaccine names are different in my country?”

This happens all the time. Some countries use combination vaccines with different brand names, and some record vaccines by disease name while others use abbreviations. A panel physician clinic has usually seen many variations and can often interpret them.

If you can, bring a translated list of vaccine names or ask your previous provider to write a brief letter explaining what was administered. Even an unofficial translation can help the clinic understand what they’re looking at.

When in doubt, focus on the diseases covered (measles, tetanus, hepatitis B, etc.) rather than the brand name. The goal is to map your history onto a standard understanding of immunity and protection.

Making the process feel manageable

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the medical exam process—especially when vaccines and missing records are involved. But most applicants find that once they take a few concrete steps (gather documents, book the appointment, ask targeted questions), the uncertainty drops quickly.

Try to treat this like a simple project: collect what you have, clarify what you don’t, and make a plan that fits your timeline and health needs. If you’re missing records, you’re not alone, and there are well-worn pathways to handle it.

Most importantly, remember that you’re building a health record you can actually use in Canada. The immigration medical exam is a milestone, but the bigger win is arriving with a clear, organized foundation that makes the next chapter easier.