Grade 7 School-based Immunization

School-based immunization community clinics are available now until late October/early November 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.

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 no longer recommended to wait 14-28 days between receiving COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, other vaccines.

Yes. We all come into contact with millions of germs every day, so the immune system will easily handle exposure to antigens (made up of parts of weak or dead viruses or bacteria) in multiple immunizations. Getting more than one vaccine at the same time is safe and ensures students get the best protection against serious diseases earlier rather than later.

Students who attend an appointment at a school-based immunization community clinic will be offered all school-based immunizations they are eligible to receive, which may include all 3 vaccines. Eligible students who have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may also choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine immediately before or after their appointment, as some clinic locations (Oakville YMCA, and First Ontario Arts Centre in Milton) which share space with Halton Region’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

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).