| Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases |
Immunization against vaccine preventable diseases is one of the most cost-effective health strategies available to the health care system. It results in improved individual and population health.
Immunization Education Campaign
The Government of Canada launched a three-year public education campaign to encourage parents to have their children immunized against certain diseases before the age of two.
Learn more about Immunization/Parent Education Campaign, Parent's Guide, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions at these links to the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Adult Immunization
You are never too old for immunization! Recommended immunization for adults (25, 35, 45, ... years) are: Tetanus (every ten years) and Diphtheria. For adults who have completed a polio series in the past, routine polio boosters are not needed with some exceptions.
Other vaccines are recommended to individuals based on such factors as age, medical conditions, employment and increased risk of infection. These may include influenza, pneumococcal, rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.
Special vaccines may be needed when travelling outside North America. These are accessed through our International Travel Clinic.
Child Immunization
The Immunization of School Pupils Act
The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires that Public Health maintain the immunization records of all students in Waterloo Region. Public Health's Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Disease Program requires the immunization records of ALL students in all grades at private, public and catholic schools.
The Enforcement of the Act ensures that immunization coverage rates of students are optimized and it provides students with the maximum amount of protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
If you receive a letter from Public Health in the mail, please arrange a visit with your health care provider to update your child's immunizations and call us at the number provided on the letter.
Immunization - Protection, Safety, Schedule, Record, Exemption
Immunization is the best protection against many serious diseases and is provided free for children in Ontario. Vaccines trigger the child's immune system to make antibodies to fight disease, and for it to work best children must have all their immunization on time.
Immunization is very safe. If you have any questions, call your doctor, nurse practitioner or visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca or www.immunize.cpha.ca. Minor side effects from vaccines such as swelling or tenderness of the spot where the vaccine was administered and mild fever are common but go away quickly.
Immunization Schedule of the recommended routine immunization for children in Ontario.
Check with your doctor or nurse practitioner to see if your older children may be eligible for any of the new vaccines now available for children in Ontario.
Every child needs an immunization record. Keep a written record of all your child's immunizations on the "yellow card".
Immunization Record Postcard
You may decide because of medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. Most of the childhood diseases are spread easily. If your child has not had his/her shots and comes into contact with someone who has measles or whooping cough for example, there is a good chance they will get sick. As a precaution, if the disease appears in your child’s school or nursery, your child may have to stay out of school until the disease is gone.
A notarized statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Affidavit must be forwarded to Public Health. Click on this link for to get the form: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/forms/form menus/pubh fm.html
7470-64 Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Affidavit
If you require a medical exemption, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health to obtain the forms. After completion, these forms must be forwarded to Public Health.
Web forms for child care centres
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