The start of the school year is a good time to take stock of the Vaccination for the Start of the School Year children and adolescents. Between trying to find your child’s immunization record, figuring out Quebec’s immunization schedule, and understanding which vaccines are offered in schools, it’s easy to get confused. This article provides general, fact-based information—grounded in public health guidelines—to help you keep track of your family’s vaccination status: which vaccines are scheduled, at what stages of schooling, how catch-up vaccinations work, and where to go for help. No specific vaccines are recommended here on an individual basis; these decisions are the responsibility of a healthcare professional.
On this page
- Why Take Stock Before the School Year Begins
- Check the vaccination record
- Quebec's Vaccination Schedule
- Vaccination in Schools
- Catching Up: It's Not Too Late
- Where to Get Vaccinated
- Travelers: Think About Vaccinations Before the Start of the School Year
- Prepare for the appointment and reassure the child
- Myths and misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
Why Take Stock Before the School Year Begins
The start of the school year brings many children together in one place, which can lead to the spread of certain infections. Reviewing vaccination records before school starts allows you to identify any missing vaccines or upcoming booster shots in advance, rather than realizing you need them at the last minute during the school year. It’s also a good opportunity to get the family’s health records in order.
What Vaccination Aims to Achieve
Vaccination aims to protect the vaccinated individual against diseases that can sometimes be serious and to limit the spread of these diseases in the community. According to public health authorities, it remains one of the most effective means of prevention. Public programs in Quebec offer several recommended vaccines for children and adolescents free of charge.
Good times to check
- Before starting daycare or preschool.
- A few weeks before the start of each school year.
- Upon the announcement of a vaccination session at school.
- After moving or arriving from another country.
- Before a family trip during the school year.
Check the vaccination record
Visit vaccination record is the document that lists the vaccines received, the dates, and the doses. It serves as the starting point for determining whether a child is up to date according to the Quebec immunization schedule. In Quebec, administered vaccines are also recorded in a provincial registry, but keeping your own record up to date remains useful, especially when changing healthcare providers or traveling.
Where to Find Information on Vaccines
- The paper health record given at birth or during checkups.
- The Quebec vaccination registry, which can be accessed through health care services.
- The records from the clinic or the healthcare professional treating the child.
- The documents provided by the school during the vaccination sessions.
What to Do If the Logbook Is Lost
A lost record is not an insurmountable problem. The information can often be retrieved from the provincial registry or the clinic’s records. A healthcare professional can then reconstruct the history and determine if any doses are missing. If there is any real doubt, it’s better to check than to assume a child is up to date.
Quebec's Vaccination Schedule
Visit Quebec immunization schedule specifies the vaccines available and the ages at which they are generally recommended, from early childhood through adolescence. It is established by public health authorities and detailed in the Quebec Immunization Protocol (PIQ). The table below outlines the main stages—without specific dates or doses—as a general guide; the exact details are determined by the healthcare professional administering the schedule.
| Life Stage | What is generally expected | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood | Several routine vaccines and booster shots | Regular Medical Checkups for Infants |
| Before Starting School | Verification and reminders as needed | A good time to validate the logbook |
| Mid-elementary school | Vaccines Offered in Schools | Sessions held at the school |
| High School | Vaccines Offered in Schools | Sessions held at the school |
| Adolescence and Catching Up | Missed doses as needed | At a clinic or vaccination center |
Why Age Matters
Each vaccine is administered at a specific age to provide the best protection at the right time. Some require multiple doses spaced out over time to be fully effective. That is why the vaccination schedule is organized in stages rather than left to chance. Following the official schedule rather than recommendations found online helps avoid mistakes.
A schedule that may change
The immunization schedule is periodically revised based on scientific data and expert advice, such as that provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. A vaccine that is added or modified for a younger age group is not necessarily applied retroactively; hence the importance of confirming each child’s specific situation with a healthcare professional rather than relying on what applied to an older sibling.
To remember
- The start of the school year is a good time to check your children's vaccination status.
- The immunization record is the starting point; the information is also available in the provincial registry.
- The Quebec immunization schedule organizes vaccines by life stage.
- A lost notebook can usually be reconstructed.
- The schedule is subject to change and is not always applied retroactively.
- Decisions about vaccinations should be left to a healthcare professional.
Not sure if your child's school record is up to date, or do you have questions before the school year starts? Our teams can help you: Make an appointment at one of our service locations in Quebec, or check your status by teleconsultation.
Vaccination in Schools
Visit school-based vaccination allows certain vaccines to be administered directly at school at specific points in a student’s academic career. In Quebec, vaccination sessions are organized primarily in elementary school, around 4th grade, and in high school, around 9th grade. The goal is to facilitate access and reach children at the appropriate age, with parental consent.
How does it work?
- The school sends a notice and a consent form to the parents.
- The parent reads the information, asks questions, and fills out the consent form.
- The signed form is returned according to the school's instructions.
- A vaccination team visits the school for the scheduled sessions.
- The vaccines received are recorded in the medical record and the vaccination registry.
If you miss a session
Missing an appointment, failing to submit a form on time, or having second thoughts won’t close any doors. Vaccines offered in schools can also be received elsewhere, such as at a vaccination center or clinic. All you have to do is request a make-up appointment.
Catching Up: It's Not Too Late
Visit make-up class refers to the administration of missed doses when a child has fallen behind on the schedule. This is a common and expected situation: a move, a recent arrival in Quebec, a missed appointment, or a particularly busy period can all account for a delay. A healthcare professional reviews the child’s vaccination history and recommends a tailored plan.
Situations that often lead to remedial work
- A visitor from another country with a different calendar.
- An incomplete logbook or doses that were not recorded.
- A school session missed due to illness or absence.
- Medical care that was interrupted for a period of time.
How are the make-up exams going?
It’s usually not necessary to start all over again: the doses already received count. The healthcare professional determines which doses to add and at what interval, based on the Quebec Immunization Protocol. The important thing is to get back on track rather than remain in limbo. None of these decisions should be made on your own, without consulting a healthcare professional.
Where to Get Vaccinated
There are several vaccination sites in Quebec, depending on the type of vaccine and the child’s age. Vaccines included in the routine immunization schedule are often free through public programs. The right place depends on the family’s situation and the vaccine they need.
| Context | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Vaccines Offered at School | Sessions held in schools |
| Catching Up or a Missed Dose | Vaccination center or clinic |
| Question about the notebook | Professional who works with the child |
| Travel Vaccines | Specialized Travel Health Consultation |
| Doubt or Guidance | Info-Santé 811 or a clinic |
Preparing Your Application
Before going to the appointment, it’s a good idea to gather the child’s immunization record, health insurance card, and any information about vaccines the child has already received. This allows the healthcare professional to quickly check the child’s vaccination status and avoid duplicate or missed doses. If you’re unsure which service to use, Info-Santé 811 can help guide you.
Travelers: Think About Vaccinations Before the Start of the School Year
A family trip before or during the school year may require specific vaccinations, depending on the destination. These travel vaccines These are added to the regular schedule and planned in advance, since some of them take time to be fully effective. This is an aspect that is often overlooked when preparing for the start of the school year.
What to Expect
- The destination and the regions visited.
- The time required before departure for certain vaccines.
- Updating routine vaccines at the same time.
- Coordination with the child's school calendar.
A travel health consultation allows recommendations to be tailored to each family member’s itinerary and health profile. It’s best to schedule it several weeks in advance.
Prepare for the appointment and reassure the child
Preparing for the appointment can make a real difference, especially for an anxious child. Explaining simply why we get vaccinated—without overreacting or downplaying the importance—helps build trust. A child who is informed and reassured generally handles the experience better.
Some Useful Tips
- Use simple, honest words that are age-appropriate.
- Avoid making unrealistic promises like «You won’t feel a thing.».
- Plan for a distraction or something comforting after the shot.
- Inform the healthcare professional of any allergies or past reactions.
- Ask any questions you may have before the medication is administered.
After receiving a vaccine, mild side effects such as redness, tenderness at the injection site, or a slight fever may occur and are usually temporary. If you experience an unusual reaction or any concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. If you have any serious symptoms, call 911.
Myths and misconceptions
«If my child is healthy, there's no need for vaccination.»
False. Vaccination provides protection even before exposure to a disease, including in healthy children. It also helps reduce the spread of infections in the community, which protects those who are most vulnerable.
«Getting several vaccines at the same time is too much.»
Nuanced. The vaccination schedule is designed to safely group certain vaccines together based on scientific data. The number of doses and the timing are determined by public health authorities. Any questions about a specific case should be directed to a healthcare professional.
«A lost notebook means starting all over again»
False. Vaccination information is generally available in the provincial registry or the clinic’s records. Doses already received are taken into account; a healthcare professional reviews the history and makes adjustments as needed.
«School vaccinations are mandatory»
Nuanced. In Quebec, vaccines offered at school are strongly recommended and free of charge, but are administered only with parental consent. Vaccination is not required to attend school, which makes an informed decision all the more important.
«It's too late to make up for the missed doses.»
False. Catch-up vaccinations are specifically designed for these situations. Missing a dose does not invalidate the doses already received, and a vaccination schedule can be developed at any age with a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my child is up to date on their vaccinations?
The immunization record is the first place to check. The information is also available in Quebec’s immunization registry and in the clinic’s records. If there is any doubt, a healthcare professional can review the history and determine if any doses are missing.
What vaccines are offered in schools in Quebec?
Vaccinations are offered at specific times during a student’s educational journey, particularly around the 4th grade of elementary school and the 3rd grade of high school. Details about the relevant vaccinations can be found in the information provided by the school and in the Quebec Immunization Protocol.
What should we do if we missed the vaccination session at school?
The vaccines offered at school can also be received elsewhere, at a vaccination center or clinic. All you need to do is request a make-up appointment. Missing a dose does not compromise long-term protection.
Is childhood vaccination free?
The vaccines included in the routine immunization schedule are generally free of charge under Quebec’s public immunization programs. Certain specific vaccines, such as those required for travel, may have different terms and conditions. A healthcare professional can explain what applies to your situation.
My child came from another country: Do his or her vaccinations count?
Yes, vaccinations received elsewhere are generally taken into account. A healthcare professional will compare your vaccination history with Quebec’s immunization schedule and, if necessary, suggest a catch-up plan for any missing doses. It’s helpful to bring any available documentation.
Can we take stock of vaccination via telemedicine?
Teleconsultations allow you to discuss the vaccination record, identify any missed doses, and be referred to the appropriate department. However, receiving the vaccines requires an in-person visit. The two options complement each other well in preparing for the start of the school year.
Sources
- Quebec Immunization Protocol (PIQ), Ministry of Health and Social Services
- Government of Quebec (Quebec.ca) — Vaccination
- Government of Quebec — School-Based Vaccination
- Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ)
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Public Health Agency of Canada
- Info-Santé 811 (Government of Quebec)
- Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ)
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.
