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Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (2)

Region of Waterloo Public Health is required to collect and maintain the immunization records of all students attending school in Waterloo Region. This is done to track the immunization status of all children in the event of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak.

This school year (2013 - 2014), the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires students to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Records of immunization must be provided by the student or parent/guardian to Public Health. With appropriate legal documentation exemptions based on medical or conscience reasons are allowed. According to the ISPA, if students or their parent/guardian do not provide an immunization record or legal exemption the student may face suspension from school for up to 20 days, or until documentation is received.

“Fulfilling the provincial legislation ensures that children and our community are protected against vaccine preventable diseases,” says Linda Black, Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases for Region of Waterloo Public Health. Black reminds students and their parent/guardian that it is their responsibility to provide proof of immunization or exemption directly to Public Health.

This week, Public Health mailed home immunization record requests for those students with incomplete records. On May 7, 2014, Public Health will enforce the legislation within the secondary school population.

Parents may contact their family doctor to obtain immunization records and/or immunizations. For those without a family doctor, Public Health is providing walk-in clinics:

  • Each Monday and Friday (starting Friday, April 4; excluding holidays) from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Waterloo office (99 Regina Street South, 2nd floor)
  • Each Friday (starting Friday, April 4 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Cambridge office (150 Main Street, main floor)

Parents can submit their child’s immunization records:

For more information, please contact our Vaccine Information Line at 519-575-4400 ext. 13007.

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Media contact: Candace Harrington, Marketing and Communications, 519-883-2244 (bus) 519-501-7598 (cell) CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca