EASTERN ONTARIO HEALTH UNIT: IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL
Having up-to-date immunizations helps ensure that children have the best protection possible against certain diseases that can be very serious or even fatal. It also helps reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in schools. The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires parents to provide proof of immunization (or appropriate exemption documents) for certain diseases if their children attend school in Ontario.
Mandatory Immunizations Required to Attend School in Ontario
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Meningococcal disease (Men-C-C for children under 12 years old)
- Meningococcal disease (Men-C-ACWY for children 12 years and older)
- Vericella (chickenpox) (Required for children born in 2010 or later)
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is also required by law to review immunization records and contact parents of children for whom they do not have complete records that are attending schools within their school districts. Students whose records are not complete may be suspended from school until their immunization records are complete. Students with missing immunizations may also be suspended during disease outbreaks.
Exemptions
In certain cases, a child may be exempt from immunization requirements. To obtain an exemption, an official exemption form has to be fully completed and kept on record. It is important to note that children who are exempt from immunization are at increased risk of disease and may be removed from school during a disease outbreak.
In order to obtain an exemption, individuals need to contact the EOHU. EOHU immunization information can be obtained in the link below:
Medical Exemptions
If a child is unable to be immunized for medical reasons, parents may request that a legally qualified healthcare provider complete a medical exemption form for the child. Please follow the link below to obtain a copy of the Statement of Medical Exemption:
Please note that immunization records are not updated immediately after submission by Community Health Services to the EOHU, as they require some administrative time to process and update their records. We appreciate your patience.
To be valid, Statements of Conscience or Religious Belief need to be notarized, and the original copy must be given to the EOHU to keep on file.
For any questions, more information, or to schedule an appointment for school-required immunizations, please contact the Community Health Services office at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.
Contact Us
Akwesasne — Land Where the Partridge Drums
Email: info@akwesasne.ca
Phone 613-575-2250
Fax: 613-575-2181
Address:
PO Box 90
Akwesasne, Quebec, H0M 1A0
101 Tewesateni Road
Akwesasne, Ontario, K6H 0G5