Enforcement of Immunization of School Pupils Act Elementary and Secondary School Grades

Region of Waterloo - Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, Region of Waterloo Public Health (ROWPH) is required to maintain the immunization records of all students in the region. ROWPH ensures that immunization coverage rates of students in Waterloo Region are optimized to protect students against vaccine preventable diseases.

“Enforcing the law ensures that children in our Region are protected against vaccine preventable diseases,” said Lesley Rintche, Manager of the Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Disease Program. Rintche reminds parents that it is their responsibility – not the school’s or doctor’s office – to provide proof of immunization or exemption directly to Public Health. With proper legal documentation, students can be exempt from immunization based on medical or philosophical reasons.

To alert parents and students of the requirements of the Act, letters were mailed to high school students in early March requesting immunization record updates.

On April 21, 2009, Public Health will begin enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act within the secondary school population. Students with incomplete immunization records may face suspension from school for up to 20 days.

Later this month, parents of elementary school students with incomplete immunization records will receive a letter in the mail encouraging parents to check their child’s immunization records to ensure they are up to date and on file at Public Health.

On June 9, 2009, the same enforcement process will take place for elementary grade students who do not have complete records or legal exemption on file at Public Health. Students with incomplete immunization records may face suspension from school for up to 20 days.

Parents may contact their health care provider to obtain immunization records and/or immunization. For those without a family physician, ROWPH offers immunization clinics at their Waterloo and Cambridge locations. Parents can make an appointment by calling 519-883-2006, ext. 5273.