Vaccines help build lasting protection for your child.
School-based vaccine programs are a free and easy way to help your family stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines.
What should I know about each vaccine?
HPV
The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 common strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus that can cause:
- Head and neck cancer
- Cervical/vaginal cancers
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Genital warts
HBV
The HBV vaccine protects against hepatitis B virus, which causes an infection in the liver. For some people, this infection does not go away and can lead to:
- Liver damage
- Liver cancer
- Death
TDap
The TDap vaccine protects your child from three serious illnesses called:
- Diphtheria: a nose and throat infection
- Tetanus: an infection of the nervous system
- Pertussis: a lung and airway infection
MenC-ACYW
The MenC-ACYW vaccine protects your child from bacteria that causes meningococcal disease. This can cause:
- Deafness
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- The loss of an arm or leg
Which vaccines are offered at school in my province?
Select your province to see available vaccines
Alberta
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 6
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
British Columbia
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Manitoba
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 6
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 6
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 8 or 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
New Brunswick
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 7
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 7
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Newfoundland + Labrador
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 4
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 6
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Nova Scotia
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 7
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 7
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 7
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 7
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Ontario
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 7
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 7
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 7
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Prince Edward Island
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
HPV
- Praxus Health HPV Information Sheet
- PEI Health HPV Information
MenC-ACYW
- Praxus Health HPV Information Sheet
- PEI Health HPV Information
TDap
- Praxus Health TDap Information Sheet
- PEI TDap Information
Quebec
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 4
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Hepatitis A vaccine
offered in
Grade 4
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Saskatchewan
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
HBV vaccine (Hepatitis B)
offered in
Grade 6
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 8
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Nunavut
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 6
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Northwest Territories
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 4, 5, or 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 12
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 7
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
Yukon
HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
offered in
Grade 6
MenC-ACYW vaccine (meningitis)
offered in
Grade 9
TDap vaccine (tetanus)
offered in
Grade 9
Download vaccine resources
Learn more about each vaccine by clicking on the resources below.
How should I talk to my child about vaccinations?
Talking with your child about vaccination is an important step in protecting their health. We’ve created a guide sharing practical tips to help families talk about vaccination, answer common questions, and get the conversation started.
FAQ
How does the school vaccine program work?
Schools will share clinic dates in advance, and public health nurses will come to the school to provide vaccinations.
How can I ensure that my child receives the vaccines at school?
Before your child can receive vaccines at school, parent or guardian consent is required. The school will send home an information package that includes details about the vaccine(s) being offered and a consent form.
The consent form asks about your child’s health history, including medical conditions and allergies, to help ensure vaccination can be provided safely.
Please review all the information carefully and complete the consent form in full.
How can I prepare my child to receive the vaccines at school?
- Talk to your child about immunization. Older children and teens are more likely to have questions about why they need the immunization, and this is a good time to help them understand that the immunizations will help keep them from getting sick.
- Talk to your child about things you did to help them through immunization appointments in the past. This can help you and your child decide on strategies to use now, to ease any anxiety they might be feeling before or during their immunization.
- Help your child prepare and bring any items they might need to distract and comfort them. This could include a favorite toy or book.
- Let your school’s public health nurse know if your child has:
- Had a severe side effect to an immunization in the past
- Any health conditions or a weakened immune system
- Received any of these vaccines from another provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist or at a travel clinic (e.g., in another province)
Will my child experience any side effects after a vaccine?
Regardless of your child’s age, it’s normal for them to experience some common, mild, and temporary symptoms after immunization. Serious side effects from vaccines are very rare.
Some common side effects include:
- Fever
- Swelling, redness, or soreness where they had the needle
- Feeling tired
- Getting upset easily
- Not wanting to eat
If you are concerned about any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or local public health unit.
How can I manage my child’s symptoms after a vaccine?
- Put a cool, wet cloth on the area where the needle was given.
- Give them medication to treat a fever and pain. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which medications are right for your child.
Did you or your children miss a vaccine offered in schools?
- Under the age of 18?
Your child may still be able to get vaccinated through school-based programs or at a public health clinic – contact your child’s school for more information. - Over the age of 18?
You may still be eligible for publicly funded vaccination in your province outside of school-based vaccine programs.
Visit your provincial health authority’s website to learn more!
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Helpful links to more information
For more information about the school-based vaccine programs in your region, contact a healthcare provider or local public health unit.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information and awareness about school vaccine programs across Canada. It does not recommend, promote, or endorse any specific vaccines or products. For guidance tailored to you and your family, please consult a healthcare provider.
The materials presented are developed by Praxus Health and made possible with financial support from Merck Canada. The sponsors did not participate in developing the editorial content. All content was developed, reviewed, and approved independently by Praxus Health to ensure balance and accuracy.
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