Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (3)

August 01, 2025

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 child’s parent/guardian to Public Health. With appropriate legal documentation exemptions based on medical or conscience reasons are allowed. According to the ISPA, if parents do not provide an immunization record or legal exemption their child may face suspension from school for up to 20 days, or until documentation is received.

“Enforcing 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 parents 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 March 26, 2014, Public Health will enforce the legislation within the elementary 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, February 14; 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, February 14 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 519-883-2007, ext. 13013.

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Media contact: Candace Harrington, Marketing and Communications, 519-883-2244 or caharrington@regionofwaterloo.ca