Immunizations and Vaccines

Immunization leads to improved health in individuals and the general population. Vaccines help save lives and prevent serious illnesses.

Vaccines used in Canada are very safe. They are developed in accordance with the highest standards and are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.

Minor side-effects from vaccines are common but go away quickly. These can include mild fever and some redness, swelling or tenderness at the spot where the vaccine was administered.

Report Immunizations Here

Vaccines and immunization services

Grade 7 to 12 Immunization

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in Grades 7 to 12 may have missed their Grade 7 school program vaccines normally offered by Public Health; or their routine vaccines with their health care provider. 

The following vaccines are available to all Grade 7 to 12 students if they are not up-to-date:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Meningococcal ACYW-135*
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis*
  • Polio*
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella*
  • Varicella* (required for children born in 2010 or later)

* The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires parents to provide proof of immunization (or appropriate exemption documents) for these diseases if their children attend school in Ontario. 

What do parents need to do?
  1. Please check if your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. If you are unsure, talk to your healthcare provider (e.g. doctor, nurse practitioner) or Public Health.
  2. Report all vaccinations received from your health care provider to Public Health. There are several ways to report your child’s immunization record:

Catch-up appointment booking and clinic dates

These clinics are by appointment only, no walk-ins.

Book your Grade 7 to 12 school vaccine

Note: As appointments fill up quickly, please continue to check back for new appointments being added. 

If you require special assistance or language translation services for your appointment, please call 519-575-4400.

99 Regina Street South, Waterloo

DateTime

January 3

January 5

January 10

January 12

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1)

1 to 7 p.m. (closed for lunch from 3:30 to 430)

12:45 to 7 p.m. (closed for lunch from 3:30 to 4:30)

9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1)

30 Christopher Drive, Cambridge

DateTime
January 4

January 11 

1 to 7 p.m. (closed for lunch from 3:30 to 4:30)

9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1)

Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA)

Immunization protects children from many serious diseases that are easily spread in schools.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act all primary and secondary students need to have proof of immunization against:

  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Polio
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Meningococcal Disease
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
    • Required for children born in 2010 or later

View the complete immunization schedule.

Vaccine Exemptions for School Aged Children

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), a child attending school (Kindegarten-Grade12) must either have proof of up-to-date immunization, or have a valid medical or non-medical exemption. A parent/guardian who wishes to submit an exemption must complete an appropriate exemption form and submit it to Public Health.

Children who do not get immunized are at an increased risk of getting some infections and spreading these diseases to others. If a vaccine preventable disease appears in your child’s school, your child may have to stay out of school/daycare, playgroups or sports until the disease is no longer present. You will be informed when it is safe for your child to return. Be prepared to keep your child home for several days, or up to several weeks depending on the disease.

Medical Exemption 

A medical exemption can be submitted if a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine or there is evidence of immunity to the disease making further immunization unnecessary.

  • Print the Statement of Medical Exemption, Immunization School Pupils Act
  • Have your child’s medical doctor or nurse practitioner complete the form (you may be charged a fee)
  • Submit the original completed exemption form to Region of Waterloo Public Health by:
    • Mail: Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo ON N2J 4V3
    • In person: 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, 2nd floor clinic reception or 150 Main Street, Cambridge, main floor reception
  • Keep a copy for your own records
Non-Medical Exemption 

As of September 1, 2017, the Ontario Ministry of Health has made it a requirement for all parents/guardians of students attending school to watch a vaccine education video online. You will receive a certificate of completion after watching the video. Both the certificate of completion and a notarized Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief form must be returned to Public Health before the exemption can be applied to your child’s record.

  • Print and complete the Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief form for school-aged children and take the completed form to a Commissioner of Oaths to have it signed. A Commissioner of Oaths can be one of the following: 
    • Municipal Clerks or Deputy Clerks for your local municipality
    • Members of the Provincial Government (MPPs)
    • Provincial Judges
    • Justices of the Peace
    • Barristers or Solicitors licensed to practice law in Ontario
    • Licensed Paralegals
    • A notary Public

Please note: Photo ID with a signature is needed (e.g., driver’s license, picture health card). Some offices require an appointment and some may charge a fee.

  • Click here to complete the mandatory Immunization Education Session
  • Submit the notarized exemption form and the certificate of completion to Region of Waterloo Public Health by:
    • Mail: Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo ON N2J 4V3
    • In person: 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, 2nd floor clinic reception or 150 Main Street, Cambridge, main floor reception
  • Keep a copy for your own records

Please contact Public Health at 519-575-4400 ext. 5001 if you have questions about this process or are unable to complete the education session online. 

Vaccine Exemptions for Children in Licensed Child Care Centres

According to the Child Care and Early Years Act, a child attending child care must either have proof of up-to-date immunization, or have a valid medical or non-medical exemption. A parent/guardian who wishes to submit an exemption must complete an appropriate exemption form and submit it to Public Health. 

If a vaccine preventable disease appears in your child’s care centre, your child may have to stay out of daycare, playgroups or sports until the disease is no longer present. You will be informed when it is safe for your child to return. Be prepared to keep your child home for several days, or up to several weeks depending on the disease.

If you wish to continue to exempt your child from immunizations once they start elementary school, different forms under the Immunization of School Pupils Act will be required. Please see Vaccine exemptions for school aged children information above.

NOTE: For children attending both Child Care and School, only one exemption is required and The Immunization of School Pupils Act exemption applies. Please see Vaccine exemptions for school aged children section above. 

NOTE: No education session is required for exemption of children in child care centres.

Medical Exemption 

If your child cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you will need to:

  • Print the Statement of Medical Exemption for Child, Child Care and Early Year Act 
  • Have your child’s medical doctor or nurse practitioner complete the form (you may be charged a fee)
  • Submit the original completed exemption form to Region of Waterloo Public Health by:
    • Mail: Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo ON N2J 4V3
    • In person: 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, 2nd floor clinic reception or 150 Main Street, Cambridge, main floor reception
  • Keep a copy for your own records 
Non-Medical Exemption 

If you are choosing not to immunize your child for non-medical reasons, you will need to:

  • Print and complete the Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief for Child, Child Care and Early Year Act. You need one form for each child who needs an exemption

    Please note: This form will expire when your child begins school, and a new exemption form for school-age children will be required.

  • Take the completed form to a Commissioner of Oaths to have it signed. A Commissioner of Oaths can be one of the following:  
    • Municipal Clerks or Deputy Clerks for your local municipality
    • Members of the Provincial Government (MPPs)
    • Provincial Judges
    • Justices of the Peace
    • Barristers or Solicitors licensed to practice law in Ontario
    • Licensed Paralegals
    • A notary Public

      Please note: Photo ID with a signature is needed (e.g., driver’s license, picture health card). Some offices require an appointment and some may charge a fee.
  • Submit the original completed exemption form to Region of Waterloo Public Health by:
    • Mail: Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo ON N2J 4V3
    • In person: 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, 2nd floor clinic reception or 150 Main Street, Cambridge, main floor reception
  • Keep a copy for your own records

Vaccine Fact Sheets

 

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