Grade 7 School-based Immunization

Do not get a school-based vaccine if you have:

• a fever, are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, currently have COVID-19 or have been instructed to self-isolate;
• received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 28 days; or
• an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccines or have had a previous severe reaction to this vaccine.

You may wish to consult with your health care provider prior to your appointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please do not attend an immunization clinic if you are not feeling well. For a quicker check-in process, complete the province’s COVID-19 Screening Tool (external link) before arriving at a clinic. Show clinic staff an electronic or printed version of your passing result. If you are unable to complete the screening tool in advance, clinic staff will screen you onsite prior to entering the clinic.

Individuals attending a clinic as a support (for example, caregiver) are also asked to complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool (external link) before arriving at the clinic and show proof that they passed screening.

Anyone who does not pass the screening test will not be permitted to enter the vaccine clinic and will be advised to follow public health direction and reschedule at a later date.

• Update your online immunization record (external link). If you are unable to access your immunization record online, please bring a hard copy record (for example, your yellow card) at the time of your appointment.
• Dress for the weather – you may need to wait outside.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that can be easily rolled up to access your upper arm.
• Do not wear any scented products.
• Please do not bring friends or family with you unless you need support. To maintain physical distancing, only a limited number of people will be allowed in the clinic.
• Eat a meal or snack before getting vaccinated.
• If you require accessibility, accommodation and language supports at the clinics, please email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311.

Please bring the following items to the vaccination clinic:

• Your health card, if you have one
• Your yellow immunization card or immunization record
• A mask
• An electronic or printed version of your passing result for the COVID-19 Screening Tool (external link). (If you are unable to complete the screening tool in advance, clinic staff will screen you onsite prior to entering the clinic.)

Upon arrival, all residents, including an individual’s support persons (for example, caregiver) will be actively screened (external PDF) or asked to show a passing result of the online COVID-19 Screening Tool (external link). Individuals who do not pass the screening test, will not be permitted to enter the vaccine clinic and will be advised to follow public health direction and reschedule at a later date.

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment for registration.
• Expect to be at the immunization clinic for approximately 45 minutes.
• Wear a mask at all times.
• If you require support, please only bring one person with you.

• Eat a snack before you are vaccinated.
• Get comfortable. Sit up in your chair. Make your arm loose or jiggly.
• If you feel dizzy, tense your stomach and leg muscles.
• Try belly breathing (pretend to blow out a candle).
• Do some self-talk. Tell yourself that you can handle this!
• Allow yourself to daydream while you are getting your vaccine.

If you are a parent of a child who is feeling nervous about receiving school-based vaccines, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for more tips about how to help them prepare.

Vaccines can cause mild side effects such as headache, fatigue and muscle aches. These side effects are normal signs that the vaccine is working and your body is building protection. Read the School-Based Immunizations Fact Sheet for more information (PDF file).

School-based immunization community clinics are now available by appointment to students who are in Grade 7 (born 2009), Grade 8 (born 2008), and Grade 9 (born 2007) who have not yet received vaccines typically offered at school in grade 7. Additionally, appointments are available for eligible students born in 2002 to 2006 to catch-up on vaccines they have missed.

The following vaccines will be offered at community clinics:

• Hepatitis B (ENGERIX®-B)
• Human Papillomavirus (GARDASIL®9)
• Meningococcal ACYW-135 (NIMENRIX®)

Parents/guardians may also contact their health care provider to receive vaccination at a later date.

Students can still catch-up on the second doses of both hepatitis B and HPV without restarting the vaccine series. The second dose is recommended to be given a minimum of six months after the first dose, however having a longer than recommended interval between vaccine doses will still provide the same immunity.

Students can book an appointment at a School-based Immunization Community Clinic to receive both of these vaccines.

You can book an appointment at Halton Region Public Health’s school-based immunization community clinics running mid-September until mid-November.

Primary health care providers can also provide school-based vaccines at a later date. Please note: while these community clinics are available, your primary care provider will not be able to provide these vaccines at this time.

Eligibility criteria has been extended for select age groups that may have missed an opportunity to receive school-based vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible Students include:

*remain eligible until August 31, 2022. Must complete series by this date.

Every student will be assessed for eligibility at the clinic appointment and will be offered any school-based vaccines that they are eligible to receive (up to three vaccines).

It is important to wait at least 14 days after receiving any vaccine before receiving your COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least 28 days before getting any other vaccine.

It is important to wait at least 14 days after receiving any vaccine before receiving your COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least 28 days before getting any other vaccine.

Yes, your primary health care provider may be able to provide school-based vaccines (such as hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal ACYW-135). They are free as long as your child is eligible for a publicly funded dose. These vaccines will have to be ordered for your child, so please contact your primary healthcare provider if you are interested in this option. If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, visit halton.ca for a list of Halton physicians accepting new patients. Please note: while these community clinics are available, your primary care provider will not be able to give your child(ren) these vaccines at this time

Halton Region Public Health is continuing to work with the Ministry of Health on the enforcement of mandatory vaccines under the Immunization of Students and Pupils Act (ISPA). However, due to the unforeseen circumstances brought on by COVID-19, suspensions under ISPA will not be enforced during the 2021/2022 school year. Vaccine education sessions are not available at this time, and therefore Halton Region Public Health is not currently accepting submissions for non-medical exemptions. Please check our Vaccine Exemption for Children webpage regularly for updates.

For more information, see Vaccine Exemption for Children.

You can request or view a copy of your child’s immunization online (external link) or by calling 311. Individuals 16 and older must request their own records, as parents cannot access records without their permission.

Before the clinic, talk to your child about the vaccines they will be receiving. Discuss the importance of vaccines to protect your child from certain diseases. Ask your child about any concerns they may have. Talk about your expectation for them to have the vaccine. You can also review and practice helpful ways to stay calm (e.g. count to ten, take slow and deep breaths, look away from the needle).

With public health measures in place, the clinic will look different. Talk to your child about what to expect at the clinic. For example, let your child know that everyone needs to wear a mask, unless exempt. Clinic staff will also be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a face shield and masks.Reassure your child that these measures are in place to keep everyone safe.

Your child may have attended a similar clinic location to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, so the environment may be familiar to them.

Only one adult (parent/legal guardian) may accompany the student to the clinic. All other family members are encouraged to stay home.

Visit Immunize Canada for more information (external link) about preparing your child for their vaccinations (external PDF).