Vaccines are our best defence against many diseases. These diseases can be very contagious and cause serious illness, including certain cancers, hospitalization, and even death. Children who are not vaccinated against these diseases are more at risk of getting an infection and getting very sick. Most of these vaccines are part of Ontario’s routine immunization schedule (also available in French), and all are provided free of charge for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Depending on which vaccine, children and youth can get vaccinated through a healthcare provider or the School Immunization Program clinics (for eligible students). For information on when your child should get these vaccines, see Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule(also available in French). Parents/caregivers can also speak to a health care provider to learn more.
The following vaccines are required under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) and the Child Care & Early Years Act for children who attend school and child care or have a valid exemption:
These free routine childhood vaccines are not required, but are highly recommended:
The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t part of the Ontario Immunization Schedule, but is also free and highly recommended.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease of the throat, nose and skin. The bacteria produces a toxin, or poison, that can spread through the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, kidneys or nerves. Diphtheria kills up to 1 in 10 people who get the disease. It was once the most common causes of death in Canadian for children under the age of five. Today, diphtheria is rare because of vaccination.
Anyone who has diphtheria or is a close contact of somebody with the disease may have to stay home until they have a negative test for diphtheria or after finishing a course of antibiotics. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health.
Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria that affects the nervous system. It can be serious and can even cause death. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.
People with tetanus can continue to go to school or child care if they feel well enough. Close contacts do not need to be notified because tetanus is not directly spread from person-to-person.
Pertussis (Whopping Cough)) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes violent coughing fits that can lead to choking or vomiting. The coughing can be so intense that a whooping sound is made when trying to catch the next breath. The cough can last for weeks or months. Whooping cough can cause more than just severe coughing, it may also lead to brain damage or death. This disease is most severe in infants under one year old. Pertussis outbreaks cycle in Ontario every two to five years.
Some people who have whooping cough will have to stay home from school or child care if notified by Toronto Public Health. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for more information.
Polio is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, causing nerve damage or paralysis (loss of ability to move) for life and may lead to death. It is more common in children under the age of five. Canada has been polio-free for the last 20 years, but as long as polio exists in other countries, there is still a risk of getting it. Vaccination against polio provides the best protection.
Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated against polio or is a close contact of somebody with the disease may have to stay home from school or child care if notified by Toronto Public Health. Canada is certified as polio-free, and even one case of polio is considered a public health emergency.
Measles is a very contagious viral respiratory illness that can spread quickly. Most people recover fully from measles within two to three weeks.
Anyone who has measles must stay home from school or child care. Close contacts of somebody with measles may have to stay home from school or child care if they are unvaccinated or not protected (not immune). Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for more information.
Mumps is a viral infection that passes easily from person to person. It is most common in children, but can also infect adults. Complications from mumps can include swelling of the testicles or ovaries, infection of the pancreas, hearing loss and swelling of the brain. Getting infected in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause miscarriage.
Anyone who has mumps must stay home from school or child care. Close contacts of somebody with mumps may have to stay home from school or child care if they are unvaccinated or not protected (not immune). Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for more information.
Rubella is a viral infection, also called “German Measles,” that can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects if someone is infected when pregnant. It was once a common childhood disease, but due to routine vaccination programs, the risk of getting rubella in Canada is now very low.
Anyone who has rubella must stay home from school or child care. Close contacts of somebody with rubella may have to stay home from school or child care if notified by Toronto Public Health. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for more information.
Varicella (Chickenpox) is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in young children, but youth and adults can get very sick if they get it. Healthy children tend to have milder symptoms. In rare cases, chickenpox can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, blood infections, serious skin infections, swelling to the brain and birth defects.
People with chickenpox can return to school or child care as soon as they are well enough to participate in normal activities, regardless of the state of the rash. Parents may be notified if someone in the classroom gets chickenpox. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for more information.
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to brain infection (meningitis) or blood infection (septicemia) and possible death. There are many strains of meningococcal infection that can cause illness. Strains A, C, Y, and W-135 have a free vaccine to prevent infection.
Anyone who has meningococcal disease may have to stay home from school or child care if notified by Toronto Public Health. Close contacts may be recommended to receive antibiotics and vaccine. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health.
Haemophilus influenzae, despite its name, has nothing to do with the influenza (flu) virus. There are several types of haemophilus influenzae bacteria. Type b (also known as Hib) can cause serious and life threatening illness, especially for children under five. Before the vaccine, Hib was a common cause for meningitis in young children.
People with Hib must stay home from school or child care until after they have started antibiotics. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns. Follow guidance provided by Toronto Public Health, and visit Respiratory Viruses: Caring for Someone for more information.
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that is a common complication of influenza that affects both children and adults. Very young infants and children, people 65 and older, and people with health conditions are at greater risk of complications from the disease. Besides pneumonia, the bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis and infections in the bloodstream. In severe cases, pneumococcal disease can cause hearing loss, brain damage, or death. Vaccination is the best protection.
People with pneumococcal disease can continue to go to school or child care if they feel well enough. Complete Ontario’s self-assessment tool to learn more about what to do next. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns. Visit Respiratory Viruses: Caring for Someone for more information.
In Canada, rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Most children will have at least one episode of rotavirus diarrhea before the age of five. Watch for signs of dehydration especially in babies and toddlers. Wash hands frequently especially after changing diapers.
People with rotavirus should stay home until they have no fever for at least 24 hours and symptoms of nausea/vomiting/diarrhea are improving for at least 48 hours. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. The disease can be short-term (acute) but can become long-term (chronic). For some people, symptoms can take two to six months to appear, while others may not develop symptoms at all. During this time, they can spread the infection to others. Babies, young children and persons with a weakened immune system are at a greater risk of becoming chronic carriers. A person may not know they have hepatitis B infection until damage has been done to their liver.
People with hepatitis B can continue to go to school if they feel well enough. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can cause many cancers. It can cause cancers of the genitals, cervix and head and neck. HPV is also the most common sexually transmitted disease. Approximately three out of four sexually active Canadians will be infected with HPV at some time in their life. The infection peaks in young adults, affecting both males and females.
People with Human Papillomavirus can continue to go to school if they feel well enough. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns.
Influenza (flu) is a viral respiratory infection which is most severe in children six months to five years old, people over 65, people who are pregnant, and those with health conditions. Unlike the common cold, the flu can develop into more serious health problems such as pneumonia or can worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma.
People with influenza (flu) should stay home until they have no fever and their symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea) and avoid contact with others, especially those at highest risk of getting very sick. Complete Ontario’s self-assessment tool to learn more about what to do next. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns. Visit Respiratory Viruses: Caring for Someone for more information.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness similar to the flu. Some people can get very sick and may require hospitalization. Long COVID (when symptoms last for months) is a condition that some people can get after having a COVID-19 infection.
People with COVID-19 should stay home until they have no fever and their symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea). Complete Ontario’s self-assessment tool to learn more about what to do next. Notify your close contacts to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Contact a health care provider if there are any concerns. Visit Respiratory Viruses: Caring for Someone for more information.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for infants, children & youth, visit:
Vaccines given with a needle can be painful and frightening for a child. Parents play an important role in supporting their children during immunizations. It is important to share information in an age-appropriate way with your child about vaccines and the diseases they protect against.
Visit Tips to Improve Your Child’s Immunization Experience to learn more.