There are a variety of public health requirements that apply to school boards and schools. The information on this page is intended to support school board and school leaders in understanding key public health requirements and reporting processes.

Animal Bites, Scratches and Exposures 

Under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, schools are required to report all animal bites and potential rabies exposures (including contact with bats) to the local public health unit for investigation. The information linked below is intended to assist you:

• Animal Bites, Scratches and Exposures 

Food Safety in Schools

When food is made available at schools, the school is considered a food premise and must comply with the Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg 493/17). The information linked below summarizes key requirements of the food premises regulation for local school boards and schools.

• Food Safety in Schools 

Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA)

In Ontario, under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), health units are required to collect and maintain up-to-date immunization records for all students. The information linked below summarizes key information about immunization requirements by age cohort and surveillance plans for the current school year.

• Immunization of School Pupils Act 

Infectious Diseases Reporting

Under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, school principals are required to report diseases of public health significance to the local public health unit. The information linked below is intended to assist you in understanding these requirements and local reporting procedures:

• Infectious Diseases

Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017)

Smoking and vaping on school property, including smoking and vaping of cannabis, are prohibited at all times. This includes smoking or vaping on public areas within 20 metres of the school grounds.

We have information to help you with:

• Enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) on or near school property
• Submitting a school witness report form online.
• Vaping prevention and support for students who vape.

Tobacco Enforcement Officers conduct inspections to assess and address concerns related to SFOA Compliance. School administrators and staff can now submit our school witness report online. 

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Updated: August 18, 2025