Immunization reminder letters
Every year, the Health Department reviews immunization records of students to ensure they are up-to-date for required vaccines. Our goal is to ensure students are immunized to help keep them healthy and avoid the spread of vaccine preventable diseases, while meeting requirements to avoid future suspension. Health care providers are not required to update the Health Department with vaccines your child has received. We rely on parents to keep us updated.
If you received an immunization reminder letter from us, we are missing vaccine information for your child.
Here is what you should do next:
- Talk to your health care provider to find out if your child is up to date.
- Compare the record on the letter with your health care provider’s record.
- If your child needs vaccines, see if you can make an appointment with your health care provider. You can also make a plan with your health care provider to receive any missing vaccines in the future. If you don’t have one, a health care provider, try calling walk-in clinics in your area as some of them may be able to give your child the missing vaccines. Bring the letter with you to your appointment.
- Give us the update for the missing vaccines.
If your child cannot get vaccinated due to medical or personal beliefs, see the immunization exemption section.
Getting a copy of your child's vaccine record
You may be able to view your child’s vaccine record online. You can also call us for a copy.
Vaccines needed for school
All students under 18 years of age need vaccinations for the following diseases, as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA):
ISPA immunization request form
Get more information on the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
Immunization exemptions
Medical exemptions
If your child cannot get vaccines due to medical reasons, download the Statement of Medical Exemption - ISPA form. This form must be completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Conscience or religious exemptions
Vaccines are an important strategy to keep students and the community safe from several serious infectious diseases. If a parent/guardian chooses to exempt their child from required immunizations for non-medical reasons, the following steps must be followed:
Step 1: Watch the online vaccine education video and complete the attestation form
A: Vaccine education video
Parents/guardians who choose not to immunize their child for non-medical reasons are required to watch a short educational video about vaccine preventable diseases and immunization.
Quick guide
- The video is 28 minutes long and has closed captioning/subtitles available.
- If you do not have access to a computer or electronic device, please call 905-668-4113 ext. 6242 to discuss other options to view the video.
Topics covered:
- Basic information about immunization.
- Vaccine safety.
- Immunization and community health.
- Immunization law in Ontario
Watch the vaccine education video
Have questions? Please call 905-668-7711 ext. 6242 to speak with a public health nurse.
B. Attestation form
This form is to certify that you have reviewed and completed the vaccine education video in its entirety and have had the opportunity to ask questions. You must complete an attestation form before you can receive an Education Session Certificate.
If you complete the attestation form and consent to provide your email address, you will receive the Education Certificate via encrypted email within 10 business days from Durham Region Health Department. Password instructions to open the certificate will be provided to you.
The person who completes the attestation form must be the person who completes the affidavit.
Attestation form
Step 2: Submit a signed affidavit
A. Fill out the Statement of Conscience and Religious Belief - Immunization of School Pupils Act form
Have the affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths, such as a lawyer, Member of Parliament, or Town Clerk. The document must be unaltered and in its original form when submitted. Altering the form is illegal and an altered form will not be accepted. Please note, there may be a fee required for this service and your Education Certificate may need to be provided.
Important!
- The person completing the affidavit must be the same person who watched the vaccine education video, completed the attestation form, and received the Education Certificate.
- Do not submit an affidavit earlier than June of the year the child will start kindergarten. Affidavits submitted earlier will not be processed.
- The affidavit must be submitted within one (1) year of having it signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Submit the signed form to Durham Region Health Department:
Using our online form
- In-person
Durham Region Health Department, 605 Rossland Rd. E., Whitby - By mail
Durham Region Health Department (Immunizations), 605 Rossland Rd. E., P.O. BOX 730 Whitby, Ontario L1N 0B2
Report your child's immunizations online
Book an immunization appointment online