Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Every year, Alberta Health Services Public Health School Immunization Program reviews immunization records for children in Grades 1, 6, and 9.
Your child's immunization records are reviewed to determine what vaccines are recommended for them and what vaccines they may have missed according to Alberta's routine immunization schedule.
You (the parent or guardian) will get an information package sent to your home. The package includes a consent form and information for each vaccine that is recommended for your child.
Your child can only be immunized in school with your permission (consent). Your child will not get any vaccines at school unless you have signed and returned the consent form for each vaccine included in the information package.
Have your child wear short sleeves or loose-fitting sleeves because they will get the vaccine in their upper arm.
If your child is worried about getting a needle, nurses are trained to help them feel more comfortable. Learn how you can help your child during immunization or talk to your nurse.
When your child comes for their vaccine, they will check in with a staff member.
All your child's information, including what vaccine they are receiving, is kept private.
When it is time for your child's immunization, they will meet with the nurse.
Your child can ask the nurse any questions they have about the immunization.
Depending on your child's age, the nurse may talk to your child at the school about their health to make sure it is safe for them to get immunized. This may include questions about:
The nurse will ask if your child is ready to get immunized. It's okay to feel afraid or nervous. The nurse will help your child to use comfort strategies during the immunization. Then they will clean a spot on your child's upper arm and give the immunization.
Your child needs to stay in the school for 15 to 30 minutes after immunization. This short wait is important in case they have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, the nurse can give your child medicine to treat the symptoms. Your child must tell a teacher or staff member if they’re not feeling well so the nurse can help them.
The nurse will give your child a paper that says:
The details of your child’s immunizations will be included in their personal electronic health record.
You can request copies of your child’ s immunization records, which includes immunizations they had at school. Learn how to get immunization records.
With your consent, a public health nurse will give your child the recommended vaccines at school. Vaccines in this program may include:
If you have questions about the vaccines recommended for your child or immunization in school, contact your local public health or community health centre or call Health Link at 811.
Public health nurses give presentations to students in Grades 6 and 9 before they are immunized at school.
The presentations talk about immunization. Students will have a chance to ask questions about the vaccines being offered.
Topics covered are:
The presentations also teach students:
