Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act - Secondary School Grades

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 individuals younger than 18 years of age in the event of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak.

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 directly to Public Health. With appropriate legal documentation exemptions based on medical or religious/conscience reasons are allowed. According to the Act, if students or their parents/guardians 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.

“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 students/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 secondary school students with incomplete records. On May 7, 2013, Public Health will enforce the ISPA legislation within this population.

Students or parents may contact their health care provider (family physician) to obtain immunization records and/or immunizations. For those without a family physician, Public Health is providing walk-in clinics:

• Each Monday and Friday starting Friday, April 5 (excluding Friday, April 12) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Waterloo office (99 Regina St. S, 2nd floor)
• Each Friday starting Friday, April 5 (excluding Friday, April 12) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Cambridge office (150 Main St., main floor)

Students or parents can submit their child’s immunization records:

• Online at https://e-immunization.regionofwaterloo.ca
• By phone 519-883-2007, option 8 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday)
• In-person at our Cambridge or Waterloo offices

For more information, please contact our Vaccine Information Line at 519-883-2007 and select option 6.

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Media contact: Linda Black, Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 519-883-2006 ext. 5251