Elementary school suspensions take effect today

Posted on Wednesday April 02, 2025

Waterloo Region – This morning, 1,624 elementary students with out-of-date vaccination records have been suspended by Region of Waterloo Public Health under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.  

“With the increase in measles cases and exposures, it is even more important that students are up to date with their immunizations to keep our community safe and healthy,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo. “Vaccination is the best way to ensure your family is protected against serious illness.”  

If your child is suspended:  

  • You must book a vaccine appointment with your health care provider or Public Health. 
    •  Public Health vaccine clinics are by appointment only. Appointments are limited and can be booked online at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines. No walk-ins will be accepted. 
  • If you have a future vaccine appointment booked, notify Public Health of the appointment through the online form available at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines. 
  • Report any vaccine your child has received from their health care provider to Public Health, through the online form at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines. 
  • If you have any questions, need support booking an appointment or cannot find an online appointment, call 519-575-4400. 
    • Call volume is expected to be high, and you may have to wait. 

Background 

Routine vaccinations provide protection against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox).  

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires all elementary and secondary school students to have proof of these vaccinations or a valid exemption on file with Public Health. 

At the end of February 2025, Public Health issued 8,981 suspension orders to elementary school students if their vaccine record was not brought up-to-date before April 2, 2025.  

 

Questions? Need help? 

  • Visit Region of Waterloo Public Health to learn more about school and childcare vaccinations 
  • Call Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400. Interpreters are available in over 150 languages.

 

-30-

Contact Us