June 12th, 2023

Region of Waterloo Public Health is now offering expanded immunization clinics to those in Kindergarten to grade 6. We will continue to provide clinics for students in grades 7-12 who are missing routine vaccinations and those in grade 12 who may be leaving the school system.

Due to the COVID pandemic, many students have missed the opportunity to receive their immunizations or have not reported immunizations received to Public Health. No annual enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) has occurred since the 2018-2019 school year. 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 required immunizations.

All students attending school must either have proof of up-to-date immunizations or have a valid medical or non-medical exemption under the Immunization of SchoolPupils 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.

Vaccines required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act include 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 Region of Waterloo, Immunizations and Vaccines

How to ensure your child’s immunization records are up-to-date:

  • Obtain immunizations with your doctor that have been missed, or are due now
  • Attend a Public Health catch-up clinic to get immunized if your child is overdue or has received a notice from Public Health
  • Report immunization records to Public Health (these may be vaccines given by other health care providers)

Parents/students should submit updated immunization records to Public Health via:

Parents with questions can call Public Health at 519-575-4400 or visit our website at Region of Waterloo

Clinics will be offered at these locations from June – August 2023:

  • 99 Regina St. S, Waterloo
  • 30 Christopher Dr., Cambridge

Eligibility criteria:

  • Students in Kindergarten-Grade 12
  • Individuals born in 2002, 2003 and 2004 have extended eligibility for HPV until Aug 31, 2023

Public Health catch-up clinics are by appointment and can be booked here.

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