2019/20 Grade 7 Schools Immunization Clinic Schedules

The Halton Region Public Health provides immunizations to Grade 7 students who attend school in Halton.   

The following chart reflects the Grade 7 immunization schedule. 

Earlier this year, the Provincial government announced the closure of all schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, immunization clinics had to be cancelled by Halton Region Public Health.

To help students who have just completed Grade 7 (born in 2007) catch-up on the school-based vaccines they missed due to the cancelled clinics, Halton Region Public Health is providing immunization clinics this summer at selected Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) sites. Parents of students who just completed Grade 7 and missed any of the vaccines are asked to book an appointment at our summer catch-up clinics with more clinics being held in the fall. 

The following school-based vaccines will be provided at the Grade 7 catch-up immunization clinics for students who completed Grade 7 (born in 2007):  

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

Students can still catch-up on the second doses of both hepatitis B and HPV. 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. 

At this time, Halton Region Public Health is providing a limited number of catch-up clinics this summer for Grade 7 students (born in 2007) who attended a school in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Boards (HCDSB). 
Catch-up clinics for students who attend private and French-language schools are being planned for later this year. An update will be provided directly through your school as soon as these clinic dates have been confirmed. We appreciate your patience as we continue to schedule more clinics and ensure all Grade 7 students in Halton have the opportunity to get their immunizations up-to-date.

Students can also receive any missed Grade 7 vaccines (such as hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal ACYW-135) through their primary healthcare provider. Contact your primary healthcare provider for more information and please remember to update your child’s immunization record online.

Catch-up clinics for students who attend private and French-language schools are being planned for later this year. An update will be provided directly through your school as soon as these clinic dates have been confirmed. We appreciate your patience as we continue to schedule more clinics, and ensure all Grade 7 students in Halton have the opportunity to get their immunizations up-to-date.

There are three ways that families can book an appointment:

• Click on the link provided in the email received from your school (if you did not receive an email please see Question 7)
• Call 311
• Email immunizationnurses@halton.ca

At this time, Halton Region Public Health is providing a limited number of catch-up clinics this summer for Grade 7 students (born in 2007) who attended a school in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Boards (HCDSB). 

Emails will only be sent to families in the HDSB and HCDSB as part of first phase of immunization catch-up clinics.  If your child attends a French or private school, you will receive information about plans for catch-up clinics this fall.

A phased approach is being used to book appointments for HDSB and HCDSB students.  Schools will be provided with specific dates to book appointments.  Emails will go out to families at different times throughout the summer that will provide the dates for available appointments for your child.

The email will come from the school board, not the Halton Region Public Health. Check for emails from your school board on a regular basis throughout the summer. If you have not yet received an email, you should be receiving one in the coming weeks.

Yes.  You will be asked to complete another consent form during your appointment.  

There are a limited number of appointments being provided during the summer catch-up clinics. For students who are unable to book an appointment, there will be more clinics in the fall.  Please check our website regularly for updates. 

Your primary healthcare provider may also be able to administer the vaccine(s).

Yes, your primary health care provider can provide school based vaccines (such as hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal ACYW-135).  They are provincially funded. 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.    

No. Only students who have completed Grade 7 (born in 2007) will be eligible to book an appointment. This is due to the limited number of appointments available. If your other children need immunizations, please contact your primary healthcare provider. If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, visit halton.ca for a list of Halton physicians accepting new patients.  

Halton Region Public Health is continuing to work with Ministry of Health related to the enforcement of mandatory vaccines under the Immunization of Students and Pupils Act (ISPA).  There has been no decision yet regarding changes to enforcement of ISPA, however any updates will be communicated to schools and families.

Halton Region Public Health is in the process of planning the immunization program for the 2020/21 school year.  Please check our website halton.ca/immunize regularly for updates.        

The health and safety of families and staff is our top priority. Several measures are in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at immunization clinics. These measures include:

Screening: Everyone is screened for COVID-19. Anyone who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 is not permitted to enter the clinic. If you feel unwell or have been in close contact with some who has tested positive for COVID-19, please cancel your appointment. Do not come to the clinic.

Physical Distancing: Physical distancing will be maintained where possible. This includes in waiting areas and clinic rooms. Please follow directions from staff to help support physical distancing during your visit.
Please note: Only one adult (parent/guardian) may accompany the student to the clinic. All other family members are encouraged to stay home.

Masks and Face Coverings: Everyone needs to wear a mask or face covering while in the clinic, unless exempt. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one upon arrival.

Handwashing:  Everyone must clean their hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering the clinic. Staff perform hand hygiene throughout their shift. This includes before and after providing immunizations.

Cleaning and Disinfecting: Enhanced cleaning measures are in place. This includes disinfecting any surfaces or objects that are touched, in-between clients. Fewer appointments are available to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting between appointments.

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.

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