Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is encouraging parents and caregivers to take a few simple steps now to help children start the school year healthy.

Checklist for a healthy start to the school year 

• Check your child’s vaccinations. Review the vaccines required for attendance at elementary and secondary schools and licensed child care centres, and report your child’s vaccines to Public Health.
• Schedule an eye exam. Eye exams are free every year under OHIP for children ages 0-19. Children in Kindergarten may also qualify for free eyeglasses through the Eye See…Eye Learn program at participating eye doctors. 
• Book a dental checkup. Yearly dental exams with your dentist help to keep children’s teeth and gums healthy. Your child may also qualify for free dental care through publicly funded programs.  
• Learn about Public Health’s grade 7 school vaccine clinics. Public Health provides free vaccines for hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal vaccines to grade 7 students at school. Learn more about the program. 

“As the school year approaches, many families are getting ready for the first day of school,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. "Public Health is here to help parents and caregivers find trusted information and connect with services that support a healthy start to the school year.”

Did you know?

• Parents and caregivers are responsible for reporting their child’s school vaccinations to Public Health, even if the vaccines were given by a doctor, nurse practitioner or another health care provider.
• Annual eye exams are covered by OHIP for children and youth ages 0 to 19, which can help identify vision problems that may affect learning. 
• Some children may qualify for free dental care or eyeglasses through publicly funded programs.
• Public Health staff are available to answer questions and connect families with programs and services. 

If you have questions about preparing your child for school, vaccinations, vision or dental programs:  

• Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/SchoolHealth
• Call Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400

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