Description
Under the Québec immunization schedule, some vaccines are administered to children at school. They are provided free of charge in Grade 4 of primary school and in Secondary 3 of high school.
The school nurse administers the vaccines to children during vaccination sessions, that take place during the school year. All the relevant information will be provided to parents at the start of the school year, through the school
Consent for vaccination
In Québec, anyone 14 years of age or over can give their consent for vaccination.
If a child is under 14 years of age, one of his or her parents or guardian must give their consent for vaccination. The school nurse can provide parents, upon request, with additional information so that they can make an informed decision.
A letter is usually sent to all parents of students involved in the vaccination.
In Grade 4 of primary school, an information leaflet is sent through the school. A vaccination consent form 
is enclosed with the leaflet. If you have a child in Grade 4 of primary school, you must complete the form and return it to the school quickly, regardless of whether or not you choose to have your child vaccinated. Consent of one parent is sufficient.
General tips
Before the vaccination session
You can prepare your child for vaccination. To find out more, consult the page Reducing the pain and anxiety of vaccination in children.
On the day of vaccination
Ask your child to wear a short-sleeved top. Ask him to give his vaccination record to the nurse at the vaccination session if he has not already done so.
If your child is sick or absent on the day of the vaccination, or if you wish to accompany them during the vaccination, the school nurse will inform you of the steps to follow to obtain the vaccine. Follow the school nurse’s instructions or make an appointment at your local community services centre (CLSC). To find the contact information, consult the page Finding a CLSC. It is also possible to have your child vaccinated in certain pharmacies.
Multiple injections
Some vaccines can be given at the same time during the same vaccination session. They are called “multiple injections”. This is a common practice around the world. Scientific studies have shown that it is safe. There is no additional risk if several vaccines are given at the same vaccination session instead of just one vaccine.
There are also a number of benefits associated with multiple injections, including fewer vaccination sessions. To find out more, consult the Benefits of multiple injections section.
School-based vaccination program
The school-based vaccination program includes a visit in Grade 4 of primary school and a visit in Secondary 3.
Vaccines administered in Grade 4 of primary school
In Grade 4 of primary school, students can receive these vaccines*:
*Students with weak immune systems will need additional doses, given according to a special schedule. If this is the case for your child, the school nurse can give you more information and refer you to the CLSC so your child can get the additional doses.
Benefits of vaccination in Grade 4 of primary school
Vaccination against hepatitis A and HPV infections begins in Grade 4 of primary school for the following reasons:
- The immune system responds best to vaccines at this age.
- It is preferable for young people to have received at least one dose of HPV vaccine and at least one dose of hepatitis A vaccine before they are exposed to these infections.
- With school-based vaccination, many children can be vaccinated in a short period of time. This also avoids trips for parents.
Vaccines administered in Secondary 3
In Secondary 3, students can receive these vaccines:
In addition to the vaccines scheduled in Secondary 3, the nurse will check if all children’s vaccination is up to date for the following diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Whooping cough
- Tetanus
- Poliomyelitis
- Measles
- Rubella
- Mumps
- Meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV infections
Useful websites
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Health Canada
- Tout ce qu’il faut savoir sur la vaccination (Everything you need to know about vaccination)
Naître et grandir, Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon (in French only) - All about HPV
Sex & U
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - HPV vaccine: What teens need to know
Caring for Kids, Canadian Paediatric Society - Foire aux questions sur le VPH
(Frequently asked questions about HPV)
Maman pour la vie (in French only)
Last update: June 29, 2023
