Immunization or vaccination is one of the best ways to protect 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.
About 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime. Many people who have HPV don’t realize it because the virus has no signs and symptoms- which means they can pass on the virus to others without knowing it.
In women HPV causes nearly 100% of all cervical cancers, some vaginal and vulvar cancers, genital warts, and anal cancer.
In men, HPV can lead to mouth and throat cancers, genital warts, anal and penile cancers.
HPV vaccine has demonstrated strong effectiveness in preventing HPV infection and reducing risk of cancer. Safety around the vaccine has been well demonstrated with evidence.
HPV vaccine is recommended for men and women aged 9-45 and most drug plans will cover the vaccine with a prescription.
Ontario has been providing publicly funded HPV vaccination since 2007 to students in grade 7. Students who were unable to begin or complete the HPV vaccine series are eligible to receive the vaccine through our clinic by booking an appointment with a nurse or through the Waterloo Public Health Unit until the end of Grade 12.
If you are unsure of your vaccine status, please call the Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400 ext. 5001 to request your vaccine record.
For more information please visit:
If you would like to request a prescription for the HPV vaccine or would like to find out if you are eligible for the publicly funded program:
Click here to send a message to see if you are eligible.
