Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is supporting school-aged children to improve their health through critical programs. 

Student vaccine compliance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act increased from approximately 85 percent to more than 98 per cent over the course of the 2025-26 school year. Strong participation numbers for in school vaccination and dental programs also provided access to services supporting student health and wellbeing.

Public Health works with local school boards to deliver services and supports that help to provide young people with a strong health foundation. Services include vaccinations, oral health screening, substance use prevention resources, sexual health services, and connections to vision care programs.

Local vaccine coverage rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels and remained above the provincial average. Routine vaccination remains one of the strongest defenses against the spread of diseases and high-risk complications from infections.

In the 2025-2026 school year, Public Health delivered 19,100 vaccine doses through the Grade 7 school-based immunization program. This included 6,326 hepatitis B doses, 8,147 human papillomavirus (HPV) doses and 4,627 meningococcal doses. The program helps protect eligible students against serious illnesses and supports families’ access to publicly funded vaccines at school.

School-based dental programs screened 19,341 elementary school students. Families of 1,038 students with urgent needs were provided with information on dental care options and 472 children were connected to support through the Healthy Smiles Ontario Emergency and Essential Services program.

Public Health also promotes the importance of routine eye examinations for children and youth and connects caregivers of kindergarten students with information about free eyeglasses available through participating optometrists in the Eye See, Eye Learn program.

Secondary school students receive access to in school sexual health education, infection prevention resources, consultation and referrals through Public Health. These services help to reduce barriers to sexual health services like cost, transportation, appointment availability and stigma. 

Throughout the school year, Public Health supported student wellbeing through substance use prevention programming and resources at over 120 schools. High school students from 14 local schools were trained through the Youth Champions Initiative.  Youth Champions learn about substance use prevention and mental health, and bring their knowledge back to their school communities, training their peers on how to connect with each other to support their wellbeing.

Public Health also continues to work with schools and school boards to streamline communications and strengthen preparedness for emerging health risks through regular information sharing and collaboration.

For more information, see the report shared with the Community and Health Services Committee on October 6 or visit regionofwaterloo.ca/SchoolHealth.

Quotes:

“Schools are an important connection point for reaching children, youth and families with the services and information they need. We appreciate the ongoing partnership of local school boards, school staff, parents and caregivers as we work together to support student health and wellbeing.”

- Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Adelle Chang On, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services

"Caring for the whole child, in body, mind and spirit, is at the heart of Catholic education. We are grateful for our longstanding collaboration with Region of Waterloo Public Health, which ensures our students have access to the health services and resources they need to thrive. This work reflects a shared commitment to the wellbeing of every young person in our community."

-  Chief Executive Officer Annalisa Varano, Waterloo Catholic District School Board

“We are grateful for the partnership the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) shares with Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services. We appreciate their commitment to providing supports, services and resources to students, staff, and community, which is reflected in the outcomes of the Integrated Public Health School Services and Partnerships Report.” 

 - Chief Executive Officer Scott Miller, Waterloo Region District School Board

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