Immunization
Improving Vaccination Coverage
The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires that:
- Students in elementary grades must be vaccinated with age-appropriate doses of diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines; and
- High school students receive a booster vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus between 14 to 16 years of age (Tdap, a tetanus and diphtheria vaccine that also protects against pertussis is recommended for this age).
- These vaccinations are publically funded and provided to students free of charge. Students who are not up-to-date on these immunizations can be suspended. Toronto Public Health informs parents when students' immunization record is incomplete and reminds them to update their child's record.
Help ensure immunization records are up to date
- Provide parents with their child's immunization history and the names of vaccines administered
- Update your clients' yellow immunization card with every vaccination
- Remind parents to report their school-aged child's vaccination to Toronto Public Health online, or by phone, fax or mail.
Encourage parents to vaccinate their children
- Reassure parents that vaccines are very safe and are the most effective was to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Tips on how to address parents' concerns (PDF).
- Use techniques to reduce the pain from immunization.
- Provide information to parents about immunization:
- A Parent's Guide to Immunization, PHAC (PDF)
- Posters and pamphlets from the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion
- To order pamphlets, posters and Toronto Public Health brochures (PDF) call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600.
- Encourage parents to have their children vaccinated through school programs:
- Hepatitis B and meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (all grade 7 students)
- HPV vaccine (grade 8 females)
- Encourage adults to stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Immunization Recommendations for Adults, NACI.
For more information: