Immunization & Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Immunization is one of the most important and cost-effective public health innovations. Immunizations help the body make its own protection (or antibodies) against certain diseases. They are given to people to prevent against a variety of diseases including; diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), varicella (chickenpox), meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, HPV, RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. In Canada, immunization has saved more lives than any other health intervention, and has contributed to the reduction in morbidity and mortality in adults, children and other vulnerable populations. Without immunizations, we can expect to see serious outbreaks of many diseases that we are now protected against.
Immunization doesn’t just protect the people who get immunized – it protects those around them too. When a majority of the people in a community are immunized against a disease, it greatly reduces the chances of that disease spreading in the community, protecting people such as infants who are too young to be immunized and those who are not able to get immunized due to medical reasons.
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 such as mild and localized redness and swelling or tenderness of the spot where the vaccine was administered and mild fever are common but go away quickly. Serious side effects from vaccines currently used in Canada are very rare. Please talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about vaccine safety.
There are many resources available to you to learn about vaccines and immunization. Some helpful resources are provided at the bottom of this page. If you cannot find what you are looking for or if you have any concerns about vaccinations, feel free to make an appointment to talk to your doctor.
School and Child Care Vaccination
Children attending school (Kindergarten-Grade 12) or licensed child care in Ontario must either have proof of the required vaccinations, or a valid medical or non-medical exemption. Your child can get vaccinated through their family doctor or their Grade 7 school clinic. School-aged children may also book an appointment at a routine catch-up clinic offered through Public Health.
Please click here to see the current Ontario vaccine schedule
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. Click on the links in order to find more information about Medical exemption and Non-medical exemption
Grade 7 vaccines
Public Health provides the Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines in schools for all Grade 7 students in Waterloo Region. Children may also receive these vaccines from their family doctor, during grade 7 or also during grade 8-12 if they did not receive them during grade 7. If you wish to have your child receive these grade 7 vaccines at our office, please contact us for further information.
Vaccine records and reporting
Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child's vaccinations to Public Health. Doctors and other healthcare providers DO NOT notify Public Health when they have administered vaccines to patients. Make sure your child's vaccine records are up to date. You will receive a letter from Public Health if their records show that your child is missing documentation of mandatory vaccines, and your child may be faced with suspension if you do not provide proof of vaccination (or valid exemption documentation) prior to a specific time deadline.
For Waterloo Region students, click here to Report your child's vaccinations. If you do not wish to do online reporting, you may also call 519-575-4400 ext. 5001, or fax the information to 519-885-7260. Alternatively, you can bring the information in person to the Region of Waterloo Public Healths office at 99 Regina St. S. in Waterloo or 150 Main St. in Cambridge.
Viewing Vaccination Records
Vaccination records that have been reported to Public Health can be viewed online through Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON).
- You will need your child’s Ontario Health Card (OHIP) number.
- Due to privacy law, parents/guardians cannot access records for a child who is 16 years of age or older.
If you are unable to access ICON Region of Waterloo residents may complete an online vaccine record request form.
Adults who attended school in Waterloo Region may also request their vaccine record with the vaccine record request form.
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.
Canadian Immunization Guide https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-immunization-guide.html
Immunize Canada https://immunize.ca/
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci.html
Region of Waterloo https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/immunizations-and-vaccines.aspx