Vaccines stimulate our defense cells to produce substances called antibodies in what is an entirely natural protective reaction. These antibodies protect a vaccinated individual against diseases.

Vaccinations are your best protection against many serious illnesses. Do not hesitate to get yours and make sure your children and relatives are vaccinated. Basic vaccines for children are offered free of charge at your CLSC. Contact your CSSS for details on who qualifies for what type of vaccine and how to go about getting an appointment. 

Health booklet

The parent or adult who accompanies a child on the first visit for a vaccination receives a health booklet from the person who administers the vaccine. All vaccines and booster shots are recorded in this booklet. If you have lost your health booklet, call the Direction de la santé publique at 514 528-2400. Consult the "Child vaccination" page on the Services Québec website for more information.

For more information on vaccination, see the Government of Québec's on-line Health Guide. 

To find out which vaccines are recommended under the Québec Immunization Program, see Québec's regular vaccination schedule. 

*Other vaccines are free of charge, subject to certain conditions. 

A flu vaccine campaign is held every fall. The vaccine is free for people at high-risk for complications, such as people aged 60 and over, very young children (6 to 23 months old), people with diabetes, acute chronic anemia, cancer, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease and cystic fibrosis or any other chronic disease, as well as people in close contact with these individuals. 

The pneumococcal vaccine is also offered to people aged 65 and over and to people with chronic illnesses. 

The vaccination campaign usually starts in November. For more information, contact your CSSS.

You will be providing your child with the best protection against certain serious diseases by having him or her vaccinated.

For more information, see the "Vaccination is good protection" guide and the Regular vaccination schedule for children and teens. 

People who are planning to travel outside of the country should plan ahead and take certain precautions to make sure that they have a pleasant trip and return home safely. 

For more information, see the "Health information for travellers" page.