Vaccination of children at school
The Québec immunization program schedules the administration of certain vaccines free of charge for children during vaccination clinics at school.
In Nunavik, these vaccination clinics are held for children in:
The vaccines provided vary depending on the child’s grade level. Other factors come into play, such as state of health and vaccines received during childhood.
Before the vaccination clinic, a health professional will check whether your child has received all the vaccines scheduled according to his or her age and state of health. The professional can also inform you of the vaccines recommended to ensure your child is adequately protected.
Are the vaccines administered at school important? Are they effective? Are they safe?
Yes, all the vaccines provided under the Québec immunization program are important for protecting your child against several serious diseases targeted by the vaccines. They are effective and safe.
To learn more about vaccination in general, click here.
Why vaccinate at school?
Vaccination at school has several advantages:
- children of school age are at the stage where their immune system responds best to the vaccines provided at school;
- tion at school protects children against certain infections before they are exposed to them, which ensures better effectiveness of the vaccine and better protection;
- it enables protecting several youths in a short time and eliminates the need for parents to visit a clinic.
It is important to read the documentation that will be sent to you concerning vaccination at school and to fill out the vaccination consent form if you want your child to receive the vaccines at the scheduled time.
Is it safe to receive several vaccines during the same vaccination clinic?
Yes, this practice is safe. It is also safe to receive one or more vaccines at the same time.
What needs to be done before the vaccination clinic at school?
You will receive information on the vaccines to be administered at school. This information will enable you to make the best decision concerning your child’s vaccination. If you have further questions, you can always contact your CLSC.
- If you are the parent or tutor of a child under 14 years and you want your child to receive the proposed vaccines, you will need to fill out the consent form for that purpose. It is important to fill it out completely, sign it and return it promptly to the school.
- Children over the age of 14 years may provide their own consent to vaccination under the law. As the parent, you remain essential in guiding your child in his or her decision.
What needs to be done after vaccination?
Immediately after vaccination, the nurse will ask your child to remain on site for at least 15 minutes. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after administration of the vaccine and the nurse will be able to treat it immediately.
Upon returning home, if your child experiences a rash or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress on the site. Use fever or pain medication as needed.
Contact the CLSC if:
- your child comes down with serious or unusual symptoms;
- the symptoms get worse instead of improving;
- the symptoms last more than 48 hours.
For specific information on the vaccines that will be provided during the school year under way, click on your child’s grade level:
Reference concerning vaccination at school:
School-based vaccination | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca).