What is vaccination?
Vaccines protect against diseases by activating the body's natural defences. A vaccine containing particulates of the microbe responsible for causing a disease is administered and this enables the body to protect itself by producing antibodies. It is like being exposed to a disease without having to suffer from its effects.
Why is vaccination important?
Vaccines protect against diseases that can have serious outcomes, even causing death. For some of these diseases there is no medical treatment. Getting vaccinated can also prevent the transmission of contagious diseases. Vaccines are provided for the following diseases in Quebec:
- Whooping cough
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal infections
- Pneumococcal infection
- Mumps
- Polio
- Measles
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Chickenpox
- Human papilloma-virus (HPV)
Is vaccination mandatory in Quebec?
Vaccination is not mandatory in Quebec but it is strongly recommended. The Quebec immunization program offers vaccines free of charge to the entire population based on an immunization schedule. Many vaccines must be administered during childhood. Further vaccines may be recommended based on your state of health, lifestyle, work, activities or travel.
How to find out if you have had all your vaccinations?
It is important to verify that you and everyone in your family have received all the vaccines recommended in the Quebec immunization schedule. This makes it possible to prevent certain diseases and to respond to school or work requirements. For more information about vaccinations for newborns, children and adolescents, consult this page.
How to receive vaccines when first arriving in Québec?
Newcomers to Québec can get vaccinated free of charge at the local community services centres (CLSC) and the local points of service (PSL). It is not necessary to have a Medicare card to receive these vaccines. You can update your vaccine booklet at a CLSC or a PSL. Bring proof of vaccinations you received in your country of origin. A healthcare professional will be able to assess the vaccinations already administered and those which are recommended according to the Quebec vaccination schedule. If you have lost your booklet or it is incomplete, an assessment will be carried out by a healthcare professional to see which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Why is it important to get vaccinated before travelling?
Getting vaccinated before travelling is essential for protection against diseases that do not exist in Québec but are present in other countries. Vaccination protects against getting ill and transmitting the disease upon returning home. It also means having a safer trip and respecting the requirements of certain countries.
Which vaccines are recommended before travelling?
Before travelling, consult a healthcare professional to check whether your vaccinations and your family's are up to date. Other vaccines may be recommended based on your destination. You could also require extra vaccines depending on your age, planned activities during your trip and local conditions. You may have to pay for certain travel vaccinations.
How to make an appointment at a vaccination clinic before travelling?
You can make an appointment at the Health Travel Clinic on the Clic Santé website or call 1 877 644-4545. It is recommended that you make an appointment about six weeks before your trip.
Aid and support organizations
- Alliance carrière travail
- Association des personnes d’origine africaine et caribéenne (APOAC) (French only)
- Carrefour le Moutier (French only)
- Centre Sino-Québec de la Rive-Sud (French or Chinese only)
- COMQUAT
- CRESO (French only)
- Immigrer en Montérégie (French only)
- Intégration Compétences (French only)
- L’Ancre (French only)
- L’Entraide Chez Nous (French only)
- L’Orienthèque (French only)
- Maison de la Famille des Maskoutains (French only)
- Maison Internationale de la Rive-Sud (French only)
- Réseaux
- Terre d’accueil (French only)
Online resources
Tools in different languages
- Animation capsules
Français
- Mise à jour de la vaccination pour les nouveaux arrivants
- Vaccination 0-6 ans pour les nouveaux arrivants
- Le vaccin contre les VPH pour les nouveaux arrivants
Anglais
- Mise à jour de la vaccination pour les nouveaux arrivants - sous-titres en anglais
- Vaccination 0-6 ans pour les nouveaux arrivants- sous-titres en anglais
- Le vaccin contre les VPH pour les nouveaux arrivants - sous-titres en anglais
Espagnol
- Mise à jour de la vaccination pour les nouveaux arrivants - sous-titres en espagnol
- Vaccination 0-6 ans pour les nouveaux arrivants- sous-titres en espagnol
- Le vaccin contre les VPH pour les nouveaux arrivants - sous-titres en espagnol
Arabe
