Grade 7 School-based Immunization

These vaccines are routinely offered to Grade 7 students in schools as part of Halton’s regular immunization programming. This program was paused due to the pandemic, and is now able to resume. Completing all routine immunizations helps protect you, your family and other residents against disease. It can also prevent illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits, hospitalizations, and further strain to the health care system.

Appointments for community-based catch-up clinics are now available to be booked for all eligible students who have missed school-based immunizations due to the impacts of COVID-19. Students can now book an appointment online with appointments starting June 20, 2022, and running throughout the summer. Please note these clinics are available by appointment only.

Eligible students in grades 9-12 who are missing doses of school-based vaccines can also request these vaccines from their primary care provider. Remember to report all vaccinations to Halton Region Public Health using the online immunization reporting system (external link). You do not need to report vaccines received by Halton Region Public Health at a school or community clinic. If your child does not have a primary health care provider, visit the Halton Physicians Accepting New Patients webpage.

Students who were immunized with a first dose of Hepatitis B or HPV at in-school clinic in the Spring of 2022 will need to wait approximately 6 months or the appropriate time interval for their next dose of these vaccines. See Grade 7 immunization schedule for more information.

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.

Nurses at the clinic will assess your child’s immunization record to see if they have had any previous doses of the vaccine, and will only administer vaccines they are eligible to receive.

Review your child’s immunization record online (external link). If your child has already received these vaccines from their primary health care provider, please update your child’s record online (external link).

No. If they have received a complete and properly spaced Twinrix® vaccine series, they don’t need another Hepatitis B vaccine. If they did not complete the Twinrix® vaccine series, they are encouraged to complete it with their primary health care provider.

No. Students who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines to find out where they can receive it.

Children 12 years or older do not need to wait between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and receiving any of the three school-based vaccines.

It is recommended that children 5-11 years of age wait at least 14 days before and after they receive the COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine.

Yes, as long as your child is feeling well and has completed the required isolation period.

Yes. These vaccines have been offered together safely for many years, along with other routine vaccinations in childhood. Getting more than one vaccine at the same time ensures students get the best protection against serious diseases earlier, rather than later.

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. 

Note: Grade 7 and 8 students (born 2009 and 2008) will not be able to receive these vaccines from their primary healthcare provider while school-based immunization clinics are taking place from April to June. Families can contact their health care provider in the summer, or check back regularly for updates on community-based clinics.

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.

Meningococcal ACWY-135 is a required vaccine as per the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). If you choose not to vaccinate your child, you will eventually need to obtain an exemption from Halton Region Public Health in order for your child to continue attending school. Due to the pandemic, Halton Region Public Health is NOT currently enforcing ISPA and is not accepting vaccine exemptions. Check Halton Region’s Vaccine Exemption for Children webpage for updates. Human papillomavirus and hepatitis B are recommended vaccines, but they are not legally required for school attendance and do not require an exemption.

Human papillomavirus and hepatitis B are recommended vaccines, but they are not legally required for school attendance and do not require an exemption.

If you decline vaccination and then change your mind after school clinics have already occurred, children may also be able to receive these vaccines through their primary care provider or in future community clinics. Some vaccines are publicly-funded for a limited time, and the student may only be eligible until a certain age or grade. To learn more, visit halton.ca/immunize or call 311.

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).

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