To support the health and well-being of Halton students and keep school communities safe, the Halton Region Health Department is requesting that all students born in 2001 to 2004 (grade 9 to 12) and 2010 (grade 3) report their up-to-date immunization records or exemptions. Students in these grades with incomplete records may be at risk of school suspension.
Parents of high school students must provide up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption to the Health Department by February 6 or their child is at risk of being suspended from school for up to 20 days, starting February 7. Parents of grade 3 students have until March 22 to update their child’s records—the suspension period for these students begins on March 25.
“The Halton Region Health Department supports the health and well-being of all Halton residents,” said Dr. Joanna Oda, Halton Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. “In order to keep our school communities safe from the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, we are reviewing the immunization records of high school and grade 3 students to ensure they are up-to-date with important vaccines. While the majority of families in Halton have up to date immunizations, many are unaware that parents are responsible for updating the Health Department after every immunization.”
The Halton Region Health Department enforces the provincial Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which protects the health of children and communities by ensuring students are up to date with their immunizations to stop the spread of vaccine preventable diseases. Immunizations required for school aged children include:
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal disease
- Varicella (chicken pox) – required for children born in 2010 or later
In 2018, the Health Department sent notices to parents of students in these age groups with incomplete records. These notices identified which vaccine(s) were missing from the student’s record, how to arrange for immunization and how to submit updated records to the Health Department. Students should go to their family doctor if they are missing vaccines. View a list of doctors currently accepting new patients.
How to report immunizations to the Halton Region Health Department
Halton Region has made it easier to report immunizations and request records. Parents or guardians can easily report or view their child’s record online. Families can also call 311, mail or drop off a copy of their child’s immunization record at the Halton Region Health Department at 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville, L6M 3L1.
More information about ISPA and how immunization keeps children safe and healthy.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves 570,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.