General information
Vaccinations protect against certain illnesses that can have serious outcomes for ourselves and others. They also help to reduce the transmission of contagious diseases. In Quebec, vaccines are available free of charge to infants, children and teenagers. To find out more about each vaccine and the recommended vaccination schedule, consult the Québec Immunization Program.
It is important to respect the immunization schedule and not delay an appointment!
Vaccinations for children aged 0 to 6 not attending school are offered at a CLSC or, depending on the region, at an immunization centre. To make an appointment, please use Clic santé. (CISSS de la Montérégie-Est: 0-2 vaccination offered exclusively in CLSCs)
According to the vaccination schedule, vaccinations are scheduled for the 4th year of primary school and the 3rd year of secondary school. Targeted students attending school will be vaccinated at school. Your child's school nurse will inform you in advance.
For all other situations, for example, if your child does not attend a school or needs a catch-up vaccination, please use Clic santé to book an appointment.
In order for the various health professionals to be able to assess your child's vaccine status:
- Bring your child's vaccination record to your appointment at the CLSC or immunization centre or ensure that your child has it with them for in-school vaccinations.
- A paper proof of vaccination will be issued in the absence of a vaccination record.
- If your child was vaccinated outside of Québec, bring all proof of immunization that you have with you.
Immunization schedule based on age
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To ensure proper protection for your child, do not omit any vaccine and vaccinate them at the recommended age. Children should receive their first vaccines by 2 months of age. Vaccines are more effective if they are administered at the right time.
If your child has passed the recommended age, make an appointment as soon as possible to make up for the missed doses. A health professional will advise you at your appointment.
To access the immunization schedule based on your child's age and the recommended vaccines visit: Recommended immunization schedule.
Preparing for a vaccination
- Vaccination Record
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The CLSC nurse or the school nurse will ask to see your vaccination record or a copy of it. If your child was vaccinated outside of Québec, bring all proof of immunization that you have. Health professionals will be able to assess your immunization status.
Some reminders:
Keep your record in a safe place for easy retrieval. The record can also be photographed or digitized.- Should you lose your vaccination record, you can request a new copy if you have received vaccinations in Québec.
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Vaccination can take place even without your record. You will be given paper proof of immunization following your vaccination. Simply keep this document with your vaccination record.
- 18 month Vaccination (Agir tôt)
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When all children in Québec reach 18 months, the Agir tôt program offers parents a free, one hour appointment with a nurse to discuss their child's development and health. This includes the ABCdaire 18 months+ tool and vaccinations.
For more information about Agir tôt:
- How to prepare your child for a vaccination
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- Do vaccinations make your child anxious? There are several tricks to prepare your child for vaccinations and reduce the pain and anxiety.
- To learn about them, visit quebec.ca.
Useful information and resources
- Myths and realities
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There are a number of myths surrounding vaccination. To be well informed on this subject and ensure that you consult reliable sources:
- Other recommended vaccines based on the health of your child
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If your child has health problems (e.g.: immunocompromised, heart problems, a chronic illness, etc.), a health professional may recommend an additional dose of vaccine or specific vaccines that will give your child better protection against various illnesses.
COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccination against COVID-19 is available to all children 6 months and older. It is recommended, in particular, for children with a chronic illness, a heart problem or who are immunocompromised.
For more information and to make an appointment: Québec.ca/vaccinCOVID
Flu vaccine
Vaccination against flu is recommended for children 6 months and older with certain chronic illnesses. Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated but are still at risk for complications from influenza. It is recommended that everyone, including children, living in a household with a baby under 6 months also be vaccinated to prevent transmitting influenza to the baby.
For more information and to make an appointment: Québec.ca/vaccinGRIPPE
- Ressources
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For further information about vaccinations from a doctor or a health professional:
- Call Info-Santé: 811
- Ask at your local CLSC
- Ask your child's school nurse
- Ask your family doctor
For more information on vaccinations visit the website Gouvernement du Québec
Measles: a very contagious virus!
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Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through the air by droplets from the nose and throat of an infected individual. It is a serious illness and very contagious.
Thanks to immunization programs, measles has become rarer in North America. However, Québec does periodically experience outbreaks of measles. According to the Québec immunization schedule, children are vaccinated at 12 months and at 18 months. The vaccine thereby provides the most protection when they are at the most risk of catching measles. That is why it is essential to make an appointment on the day of your child's first birthday or as soon after as possible. Do not delay the vaccination against measles even if your child is receiving several vaccinations at the same time during this appointment.
If your child has not been vaccinated against measles, it is always possible to make a "catch-up" appointment at Clic santé.
- For more information: Rougeole | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca).
- To make an appointment: Clic santé
Montérégie residents can receive vaccines at CLSCs (see list below) or at Local points of service.. By appointment only with Clic santé.