Going to the clinic for a vaccine or shot isn't always easy: loss of independence, a busy schedule, a young family, or a fear of needles. The home vaccination allows a nurse to come to your home to administer various prescribed vaccines and injections, in the comfort and safety of your own home. This article provides an overview of what can be done at home, who can benefit from this service, how a visit works, what safety precautions are in place, and how to keep your immunization record up to date. The goal is to inform; it is never to recommend a specific vaccine—that choice belongs to your healthcare provider.
On this page
- What Are Vaccinations and Home Injections?
- What Vaccines and Injections Can Be Administered at Home
- Who This Is Useful For
- What Happens During a Tour
- Safety: Cold Chain and Monitoring
- Managing a reaction after an injection
- Keep your immunization record up to date
- Myths and misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
What Are Vaccinations and Home Injections?
Visit home vaccination refers to the administration of vaccines and injections by a nurse in a person’s home rather than in a clinic, as part of a recognized protocol or pursuant to a prescription. It is part of the home-based care approach promoted in Quebec, which aims to bring care closer to the patient’s home environment.
Who administers the vaccine or injection?
According to the law, a nurse (member of the OIIQ) or a nursing assistant (member of the OIIAQ) is the one who makes the visit. In Quebec, nurses may administer vaccinations in accordance with the Quebec Immunization Protocol (PIQ), the provincial framework. Other injections require a doctor’s prescription or a care plan.
- The nurse assesses the patient, prepares the medication, and administers the injection.
- She provides immediate monitoring after the procedure.
- Each action is based on the PIQ, an order, or a care plan.
What Vaccines and Injections Can Be Administered at Home
The list of procedures that can be performed at home is longer than you might think. Many vaccines and injections that do not require hospital monitoring can be administered at home. The choice of product and the indication are always determined by a healthcare professional; the examples below are provided for general information only.
Common Vaccines
- Seasonal flu vaccine, in accordance with current guidelines.
- Certain vaccines included in the immunization schedule or the PIQ, depending on eligibility.
- Booster shots, when recommended by a healthcare professional.
Prescribed injections
- Vitamin B12 injection, by prescription.
- Prescribed injectable anticoagulants, administered at fixed intervals.
- Other regular injectable treatments included in the care plan.
What Accompanies the Act
- Verification of identity, allergies, and contraindications.
- Explanation of the administered product and its possible effects.
- Record the information in the file and update the immunization record.
| Type of document | At home? | Applicable Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Flu Vaccine | Yes | Based on the protocol and eligibility criteria |
| Some PIQ vaccines | Yes | According to Quebec’s Immunization Protocol |
| Vitamin B12 Injection | Yes | By prescription |
| Injectable anticoagulants | Yes | By prescription, according to the care plan |
| Vaccines Requiring Long-Term Monitoring | To be evaluated | Depending on the person's health and the product |
| Emergency | No | Emergency Services Relief |
Overview — The action taken always depends on the protocol, the order, and the assessment.
To remember
- Several common vaccines and injections can be administered at home.
- Vaccinations administered by nurses are based on the Quebec Immunization Protocol.
- Other injections are based on a prescription or a care plan.
- Identity, allergies, and contraindications are verified before the procedure.
- Monitoring always follows the injection.
- The decision on which specific vaccine to use is up to your healthcare provider.
Who This Is Useful For
Home vaccination is intended for anyone for whom traveling poses an obstacle, causes fatigue, or is a source of anxiety. Several groups benefit from it in particular.
Seniors and people with limited mobility
For an older adult or someone with limited mobility, every trip can be a challenge. Receiving a vaccine or injection at home reduces fatigue, the risk of falls, and the stress associated with transportation, while helping them remain in their own homes.
Families
Coordinating vaccinations for several members of the same family during a single visit can simplify logistics for a busy household and avoid repeated trips.
People who are afraid of needles
- A familiar environment can reduce anxiety related to injections.
- The pace of the visit is tailored to the individual, and there is no waiting room.
- The nurse can take the time to reassure the patient and explain each step.
A fear of needles is common and should not prevent someone from receiving medical care. Anyone who experiences significant anxiety about this should talk to a healthcare professional.
Do you need a vaccine or an injection at home, or advice before scheduling medical care? Make an appointment on our appointment page or quickly consult a professional via teleconsultation, without having to leave your home.
What Happens During a Tour
Scheduling a vaccination appointment is easier than you might think. For a prescribed injection, the first step is a prescription; for a vaccine, the nurse assesses eligibility according to the applicable protocol.
Typical Steps
- Get a prescription (injection) or check your eligibility for the vaccine.
- Contact a home care service to schedule the visit.
- Prepare a clean, well-lit, and accessible space for the procedure.
- Gather your health insurance card, vaccination record, and list of medications.
- Have the nurse come in to assess the patient, administer the medication, and monitor the patient.
- Record the procedure and update the immunization record.
Prepare Well for the Visit
- Make sure you have your up-to-date immunization record on hand.
- Please report any allergies or previous reactions to a vaccine or injection.
- Write down your questions in advance so you don't forget anything.
- Please plan to stay available for a few minutes after the injection so we can monitor you.
| Step | Who | What's Going On |
|---|---|---|
| Order or Eligibility | Doctor or nurse | Prescribing the injection or verifying the vaccine |
| Planning | Home Care Service | Choosing a Date and a Nurse |
| Tour | Nurse or nursing assistant | Home Assessment and Administration |
| Monitoring | Nurse | Observation immediately after the injection |
| Tracking | Healthcare Team | Recording and Updating the Logbook |
Typical Process — Details may vary depending on the provider, the vaccine, and the prescription.
Safety: Cold Chain and Monitoring
Administering a vaccine at home follows the same safety guidelines as in a clinic. Two factors are key: adherence to the cold chain and post-injection monitoring.
The Cold Chain
- Vaccines must be stored at a controlled temperature at all times.
- Transportation is carried out in a suitable insulated container, with temperature monitoring.
- A vaccine that has not been stored properly should not be administered.
Post-injection monitoring
- A monitoring period follows administration to detect any immediate reactions.
- The nurse has what it takes to respond in the event of a rare but serious reaction.
- The monitoring instructions to follow after the patient's discharge are clearly explained.
These guidelines are designed to make getting vaccinated at home just as safe as getting vaccinated at a clinic. Any questions about whether a vaccine is appropriate for your situation should be directed to a healthcare professional.
Managing a reaction after an injection
Most vaccines and shots cause only mild and temporary side effects. Knowing what to expect helps you stay calm.
Mild and Common Reactions
- Pain, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site.
- Temporary fatigue or a mild fever in the days that follow.
- These effects usually go away on their own.
When to Ask for Help
- An unusual, intense, or persistent reaction beyond what has been explained.
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat: Contact emergency services immediately.
- For any non-urgent concerns: consult a healthcare professional.
Serious reactions are rare. If severe or sudden symptoms appear, do not try to handle the situation on your own at home: call emergency services.
Keep your immunization record up to date
The vaccination record is a record of your vaccinations. Keeping it up to date helps prevent duplicate shots, missed doses, and confusion during your next visit.
- Have the nurse record each vaccine you receive, along with the date.
- Keep the notebook in a familiar and accessible place.
- Bring it with you to every vaccination appointment, whether at home or at the clinic.
- In Quebec, vaccinations are also recorded in a provincial registry.
A well-maintained record helps your healthcare provider recommend, if necessary, the vaccines that are appropriate for your situation, without unnecessarily repeating what has already been done.
Myths and misconceptions
«A vaccine administered at home is less safe than one administered at a clinic.»
False. The same rules apply: maintaining the cold chain, checking for contraindications, and monitoring the patient after the injection. It is adherence to these rules that ensures safety, not the location.
«You can get any vaccine at home.»
Nuanced. Many vaccines and injections can be administered at home, but some—depending on the product or the patient’s health condition—require a specific setting. The nurse assesses each situation.
«A home injection does not require a prescription»
False. Prescribed injections are based on a prescription or a care plan. Vaccinations administered by nurses, on the other hand, are based on the Quebec Immunization Protocol.
«Serious reactions to vaccines are common»
False. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Serious reactions are rare, and post-injection monitoring is specifically designed to detect them quickly.
«The immunization record is no longer needed»
False. It remains a valuable tool for avoiding duplicates and omissions, and for helping your healthcare provider see at a glance what has already been received.
Frequently asked questions
What vaccines and shots can you get at home?
Several common vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, and prescribed injections, such as vitamin B12 or certain blood thinners, can be administered at home. Vaccinations are administered in accordance with the Quebec Immunization Protocol, and injections are administered based on a prescription.
Do you need a prescription for an injection at home?
Yes, for prescribed injections, such as vitamin B12 or an anticoagulant, which are based on a prescription or a care plan. Vaccinations administered by a nurse, on the other hand, follow the Quebec Immunization Protocol.
Is getting vaccinated at home just as safe as getting vaccinated at a clinic?
Yes, as long as the cold chain is maintained, contraindications are checked, and the patient is monitored after the injection. These rules ensure safety, no matter where the procedure takes place.
What should you do if you have a reaction after an injection?
Mild side effects, such as pain at the injection site or a slight fever, go away on their own. If you have trouble breathing or swelling of the face, contact emergency services immediately. For non-urgent concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
How do I keep my immunization record up to date?
Have each vaccine you receive recorded along with the date, keep the record book in an accessible place, and bring it with you to every visit. In Quebec, vaccines are also recorded in a provincial registry.
Where can I get a vaccination or an injection at home?
Our UVO home care service serves our network in Quebec. You can schedule a visit through our appointment page or explore our full range of services.
Sources
- Quebec Immunization Protocol (PIQ)
- Ministry of Health and Social Services — Vaccination
- Québec.ca Portal — Vaccination
- Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ)
- Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
- Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec (OIIAQ)
Medical consultation | Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
In-person or via telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
We accept insurance. Telemedicine consultations available 7 days a week. No family doctor required.
