School Immunization Program
York Region Public Health in-school immunization clinics have resumed this Fall. Eligible students can be immunized against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal ACYW-135.
Information about the school immunization clinics have been sent to parents by email through the school in early September. This includes information about how and when to provide consent for in-school vaccination.
Please refer to the following for more information:
- 2023-2024 School Immunization Program parent notice including required consent information
- 2023-2024 School Immunization Program FAQs
- 2023 Fall School Clinic Schedule (updated regularly with any schedule changes)
- Vaccine Information about student immunizations
- Direct link to the e-consent form (please complete the e-consent form for your child to be eligible to receive vaccines at the school clinic)
The following student catch-up immunizations are offered to eligible students in elementary schools in the 2023/2024 school year.
Vaccine eligibility information:
| Vaccines | Students currently eligible (Updated Sept. 1, 2022) |
|---|---|
|
Hepatitis B |
Grades 7 – 12 |
|
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) |
Grades 7 – 12 All students who graduated secondary school in 2022 and female students who graduated secondary school in 2019/2020 or 2020/2021 |
|
Meningococcal (Men-C-ACYW-135) |
Grades 7 – 12 |
* Hepatitis B is a two-dose series if given between ages 11 to 15 (2 doses, 6 months apart)
** HPV is a two-dose series if the series is started before age 15 (2 doses, 6 months apart)
*** Men-C-ACYW-135 is one dose and is required for school attendance in Ontario for students aged 12 and older
For more information about in-school immunization clinics against these vaccine preventable diseases, please call Access York at 1-877-464-9675.
Students may also book an appointment online at a York Region Public Health community immunization clinic for student catch-up immunizations if they missed the school clinic or if they need an additional dose of Hepatitis B or HPV vaccine
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. There is no cure for hepatitis B but most people will recover from it. About 10% of those infected with the virus will carry it for life and can spread the virus to others. Hepatitis B can cause permanent liver damage or even death. It is the biggest cause of liver cancer.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is an illness that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (infection of the blood). This disease can cause severe long-term health complications or death. All children attending school are legally required under the Immunization School Pupils Act to be immunized against meningococcal disease unless a valid exemption for medical, conscience or religious reasons is provided.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a very common virus that has many strains. Some strains of HPV cause cancers of the anus, rectum and throat while others cause genital warts or cervical cancer in females.
Many people with HPV do not have symptoms and can spread the virus without knowing it. Both males and females can be infected with HPV. Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact with an infected person, including contact with genital skin or bodily fluids.
Suspensions
Has your child been suspended? Here’s what you need to know.
All public health units in Ontario are required by law to collect and update immunization records for children registered in schools and licensed childcare centres.
- Collect, review and update immunization records of children registered in schools in our region under the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act, 1990 and
- Collect, review and update immunization records of children in licensed child care centres under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014
If an immunization record is incomplete, York Region Public Health will ask the student or parent/guardian for the information. Doctors do not report this information to York Region Public Health.
