Vaccines and Immunization

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Child getting a vaccine

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.

On this page:

School vaccines
Grade 7 school clinics
Infant and child care vaccines
Vaccine records and reporting
Respiratory illness vaccines
Adult vaccinations
Vaccine exemptions
Vaccine-preventable diseases
Vaccine resources

School vaccines

Secondary Students
If your secondary student received a suspension order, choose from the following options to update their vaccination record:

Book an appointment with your health care provider and complete this form to report any vaccines they have received.
- 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.
If your health care provider appointment is after May 7, 2025, complete this form to notify Public Health of the appointment date.

Elementary Suspension
Suspensions begin on April 2, 2025 for elementary students (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8) who do not have up-to-date vaccine records.

If your child is suspended from school, choose from the following options to update their record:

Complete this form to report any vaccines they have received.
Book an appointment with your health care provider and complete this form to notify Public Health of the upcoming appointment date. A temporary exemption can be placed on your child’s record so they can return to school.
Book an in-person vaccine appointment at a Public Health Clinic:
- Book an elementary student vaccine appointment - 150 Main Street, Cambridge
- Book an elementary student vaccine appointment - 20 Weber Street, Kitchener
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.

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

Your child can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at some walk-in clinics. We recommend calling ahead to confirm if routine vaccines are available.

Public Health Clinic vaccine services are by appointment only. The demand for Public Health vaccine appointments is currently very high and are currently limited to those who have received a suspension order.

Learn more about School Vaccination.

Report your child's vaccinations Vaccine exemptions

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 (2024/2025) 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

Vaccine records and reporting

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.
Report your child's vaccinations View your child's vaccination record

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.
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