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

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 18 years of age or younger 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 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 8, 2012, Public Health will enforce the ISPA legislation within this population.

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 (excluding Friday, April 6 and Monday April 9) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Waterloo office (99 Regina St. S, 2nd floor)
  • Each Friday (starting Friday, April 13) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Cambridge office (150 Main St., main floor)

For a detailed schedule, please see the walk-in immunization clinics in the Waterloo and Cambridge offices.

Parents can submit their child’s immunization records:

For more information, 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