1. Vaccination doesn't stop in childhood
People often think vaccines are just for children. In fact, adults need updates too: some vaccines need boosters in adulthood, others are recommended based on age, health or work. For a newcomer, it's wise to take stock on arrival: your original vaccines may not match the Quebec schedule, and some protection may have expired. Good news: in Quebec several vaccines are offered free under the public program, and the CLSC is your starting point.
2. Bring your vaccination record
The most useful tip: bring any vaccination document you have from your country of origin, even in another language. This record lets the nurse see what you've already received and avoid needlessly repeating vaccines. If you have no document, that's okay: your situation can still be assessed and an update offered. Then keep your Quebec record somewhere safe — you'll be asked for it for children's school, some jobs, or travel.
3. Where to get vaccinated
The CLSC is the main entry point for adult and child vaccination. You can also get some vaccines at a pharmacy, where pharmacists are authorized to vaccinate, and sometimes at a clinic. To plan, Quebec offers an online vaccination appointment service; you can also call 811 to be guided. Always say you're newly arrived and want to review your vaccines: the nurse will assess and propose a plan suited to your age and situation.
Free doses are now targeted. Since fall 2026, the flu vaccine is no longer free for the whole population. It remains free for people considered at risk — including those 65 and over, immunocompromised people or people with a chronic illness, pregnant people, health-care workers and caregivers, as well as people living in CHSLDs, seniors' residences and other collective settings. Others can get vaccinated at a pharmacy, but must pay (around $30 to $40). The COVID-19 vaccine is free only for vulnerable groups. See the Quebec.ca flu vaccine page for the current list.
| Vaccine | Recommended for adults? | Free in Quebec (RAMQ)? |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Yes (if not vaccinated) | Yes, for certain groups |
| MMR (measles, rubella, mumps) | Yes (if not immune) | Yes |
| Chickenpox | Yes (if not immune) | Yes, for certain groups |
| Flu (influenza) | Yes (annually) | Only for at-risk groups (since fall 2026) |
| COVID-19 | Yes (boosters recommended) | Only for certain groups |
| dTap (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough) | Booster recommended | Yes |
4. Frequently asked questions
Here are the most common questions about vaccines for adult newcomers: do you need to redo all your vaccines, is it mandatory, and what about travel vaccines.
Do I need to redo all my vaccines?
No. If you bring a record, the nurse reviews what you've had and updates only what's missing or expired. Without a record, they assess your situation and may offer certain vaccines as a precaution. The goal isn't to repeat everything — it's to make sure you're protected according to the Quebec schedule.
Is vaccination mandatory?
In general, vaccination isn't forced on adults in Quebec — it's strongly recommended. Certain settings (some jobs, some studies) may require proof of specific vaccines. For children, schools ask for the vaccination record but don't bar an unvaccinated child. When in doubt, ask the CLSC.
What about travel vaccines?
If you plan to travel — including back to your country of origin — some destinations need specific vaccines. These are usually not free and are handled by travel-health clinics. Plan ahead: some require several weeks before departure. The Québec.ca travel-health pages list what's recommended by destination.
5. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- How the CLSC works — your vaccination point.
- Pediatrician, CLSC or clinic for children — including kids' vaccination.
- RAMQ — your care coverage.
6. Official sources
For official information, see:
- Find a health resource — Québec.ca — to locate your CLSC.
- Call 811 (Info-Santé) to be directed.
The official vaccination page is linked directly in section 3.
Author's Note: in your first weeks in Quebec, book a CLSC appointment to review your vaccines, record in hand if you have it. It's quick, often free, and it saves you scrambling for proof of vaccination the day a school or employer asks for it.
