Immunization or vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your children against infectious diseases. When you receive an immunization, your immune system makes antibodies that fight infection. If you are not protected by immunization and come in contact with a vaccine preventable disease, you may become very sick or even die.
Immunization is a regulated health act and is governed by the Health Care Consent Act. Health care services are not restricted to hospitals, physician's offices or clinics. When immunization services are delivered in the school setting, they fall under the authority of the Ministry of Health. They do not fall under the Ministry of Education, educational or school policy.
For immunization to work best, you should follow the schedule noted here.
Each child attending school in Ontario is required to provide proof of up-to-date immunization or a valid exemption. Parents or guardians must, by law, keep up-to-date records and provide this information to Region of Waterloo Public Health. To report, please call 519-575-4400 ext. 13009, fax to 519-885-7260 or click here to report online.
For more information you can also visit the Region of Waterloo Public Health site by clicking here.
