April 25th, 2023
Region of Waterloo Public Health has made the decision not to resume the annual enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupil’s Act (ISPA) for the 2022-2023 school year. This means that students who are overdue for required vaccines will not be suspended during the current school year.
Due to the COVID pandemic, many students have missed the opportunity to receive their immunizations. Public Health will continue to offer expanded catch-up clinics for students who are missing vaccines. It is expected that full ISPA enforcement activities, including suspensions, will resume in the 2023-24 school year.
Please use this time to ensure your child is up to date on their mandatory immunizations. Immunization information, including how to book an appointment at Public Health catch-up clinics, can be found at https://bit.ly/3EXOxvk. Catch-up clinics will be available from April through August this year for high school students, including those in grade 12 who may be leaving the school system.
All students attending school must either have proof of up-to-date immunization or have a valid medical or non-medical exemption under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Each school year Region of Waterloo Public Health reviews immunization records and notifies families about overdue mandatory vaccinations. Students are then provided with opportunities to catch-up on missed vaccinations through Public Health clinics or their health care provider. Typically, students who remain overdue after a period of time are suspended from school for up to 20 days.
Some vaccines are required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, varicella, and meningococcal vaccines). If you choose not to immunize your child or your child is unable to be immunized for medical reasons, a legal exemption is required. Additional information about exemptions can be found at https://bit.ly/3EXOxvk.
Parents/students should submit updated immunization records to Public Health via:
Online: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/updateimmunizations (anytime and preferred)
Email: Immunizationservices@regionofwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519-575-4400 ext. 5001 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Parents with questions can call Public Health at 519-575-4400 or visit our website at https://bit.ly/3EXOxvk.
Categories: Home Page
