Immunization
Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting vaccines administered to school aged children to their local medical officer of health. In June 2018, the government canceled a new requirement for doctors and nurses to report vaccines to public health. Ontario is working on a more integrated reporting approach for health care providers.
Immunization requirements for school attendance: information for health care providers
Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that children and adolescents attending primary or secondary school be appropriately immunized against designated diseases, unless they have a valid exemption. All immunization requirements for school attendance align with Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule.
Children and adolescents who have received all recommended vaccines as per the immunization schedule will not require any further immunizations.
Children and adolescents attending primary or secondary school in Ontario must have proof of immunization against the following designated diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal Disease
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella (chickenpox) – for children born in 2010 or later
For more information about the updated immunization requirements for school attendance, please see the following documents:
Please see Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule to verify that your clients have received all necessary immunizations. Please remind parents to report their child’s immunization records to their local public health unit.
Reporting vaccinations
You will need:
- A copy of your child’s vaccination record from their health care provider. You will be asked to upload a photo of the record to ensure accurate reporting.
- Your child’s Ontario health card number (if applicable).
Note: Public Health does not maintain vaccination records for individuals 18 years of age and older.
