Vaccines and Immunization

Vaccines are one of the most effective protections against disease. Vaccines can also be called immunizations, needles or shots. Talk to your health care provider about what vaccines you or your family may need. Vaccines work best when people receive them at the appropriate ages. For more information review the Ontario vaccine schedule

Please note: Public Health Vaccine Clinics are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted at any locations.

Vaccine information and order forms for Health Care Providers

On this page:


Reporting vaccinations 

Did you receive a letter from Public Health about your child’s vaccines?
Secondary Students
If your secondary student received a letter from Public Health, please choose one of the following ways to update their vaccination record:
  • Book an appointment with your health care provider and report any vaccines they have received. You can find more information on how to report vaccines on our Vaccine Reporting page
    • Note: Public Health is processing a high volume of record submissions. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as your vaccination records have been processed. Please do not call or resubmit your records.
  • Book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic if they meet the following criteria:
    • Received a letter (Suspension Order) from Public Health
      AND
    • Do not have OHIP or a health care provider

Students who have not updated their vaccination records with Public Health by 4:30 p.m. on Monday April 6, 2026, will be suspended from school for up to 20 days starting Thursday April 9, 2026.

Please note: Public Health Clinics are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted at any locations.

Book a vaccine appointment - Cambridge (Secondary only) Book a vaccine appointment - Kitchener (Secondary only)

Children attending school (Kindergarten - Grade 12) must have proof of the required vaccinations or a valid exemption on record with Public Health.

Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child's vaccinations to Public Health. Make sure your child's vaccine records are up to date. You can learn more about how to view your child's vaccination record and how to report at Vaccine Reporting.

Note: Please do not report your vaccinations if you are over 18 years of age. Public Health does not maintain vaccination records for individuals over 18 years of age.

Report vaccinations


Elementary students

If you have received a request for vaccination record letter your student’s vaccine record with Public Health is incomplete. 

To get your student's record up to date:

  • Please report any vaccinations if your student has already received any of the missing vaccines listed in their letter
  • Book an appointment with your health care provider or visit a walk-in clinic (call ahead) to get vaccinated and bring the letter with you. Once the student has had the vaccine(s), report them to Public Health
  • Book an appointment with Public Health if your student does not have an Ontario health card (OHIP) or does not have a health care provider

Book a vaccine appointment - Cambridge Book a vaccine appointment - Kitchener

Note: Public Health Clinic vaccine services are by appointment only. 

Learn more about School Vaccination.


Request vaccination records

Public Health maintains the vaccination records of all students in all grades at private, public and Catholic schools in Waterloo Region. Public Health may also have vaccination records on file for adults born after 1975 who previously attended school in Waterloo Region.

View or request a vaccination record


Grade 7 school clinics

Public Health provides the Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines in schools for all Grade 7 students in Waterloo Region. Learn more about Grade 7 school clinics.

Grade 7 school clinics schedule (2025/2026) School clinic eligibility and consent


Infant and child care vaccines

Vaccines protect infants and children when they are most vulnerable to infection and disease. Infants and children aged 0-3 who do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic to receive routine vaccines.

Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Kitchener Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Cambridge

Children attending licensed child care must either have proof of the required vaccinations, or a valid medical or non-medical exemption. Learn more about Child Care Vaccination. 

Report your child's vaccinations  Vaccine exemptions


Respiratory illness vaccines

Respiratory season is typically between November and May every year. Stay up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to reduce your risk of respiratory illness and hospitalization. Some people may also be eligible for an RSV vaccine.

Learn more about where to get vaccinated by clicking the links below.
COVID-19 vaccine Influenza (flu) vaccine RSV vaccine


Adult vaccinations

Although most vaccinations occur during childhood, we require booster shots in adulthood to maintain our defenses against some diseases. Visit the Government of Ontario's Adult Vaccination page to learn about what vaccines are recommended for adults and to determine if you are eligible for publicly funded vaccines.

Adults can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at a walk-in clinic. Adults who are eligible for a publicly funded vaccine but do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic.

Book an adult vaccine appointment - KitchenerBook an adult vaccine appointment - Cambridge


Vaccine exemptions

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) and Child Care and Early Years Act require a medical or non-medical exemption form to be submitted if your child is not vaccinated. Learn more and access the forms at School and Child Care Vaccination.

Medical exemption Non-medical exemption


Vaccine-preventable diseases

Learn about the diseases that can be prevented with safe vaccination at all ages. Sometimes you need more than one dose of a vaccine across many years, and it is important to follow the Ontario government's vaccination schedule. 
Hepatitis HPV Measles Meningitis Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Travel vaccines Vaccine schedule 


Vaccine resources

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