Secondary School Program

Vaccines are safe and continue to be one of the most important means of preventing illness and disease. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit collects and maintains up-to-date records of immunization records for all elementary and high school students. This is required by the following Ontario Legislation:

The Immunization of School Pupils Act, which requires students registered in school in Simcoe County or the District of Muskoka to have a complete immunization record on file with the Health Unit, unless a medical or religious/conscientious exemption has been provided. Children can be suspended from school if their immunizations are not up-to-date, or if their immunization records are incomplete.

Each year the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reviews records of students registered in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. At some point throughout the school year, students who do not have complete records or appropriate documentation on file at the health unit will receive a request for immunization information in the mail. Not responding to the request may risk suspension from school until the updated information is provided to the health unit.

What do I need to know about secondary school immunization?

• Students in Ontario are required to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps and rubella.
• Please note that the Health Unit no longer provides immunization clinics at secondary schools.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to book an appointment for students through their health care provider or make an appointment at a local health unit office for any missing immunizations.
• Health care providers do not provide the health unit with information when they give immunizations to students. Parents are required to contact the health unit and update their child’s immunization record if they receive immunizations from their health care provider.
• Keeping an up to date immunization record is important for this age group as they prepare to enter college, university or the work force.

What happens if my child receives an immunization questionnaire or suspension notice?

• The health unit requires an up to date immunization record prior to suspension day (indicated on the notice), Click here to find out how to provide this information.
• Students whose records are reviewed will initially receive an immunization questionnaire. Vaccine information that is required is indicated below the vaccine record on the questionnaire.
• If the immunization information is not received by the date requested on the questionnaire, a suspension notice will be issued
• Prior to mailing of suspension notices, drop in immunization clinics are held at local health unit offices. Click here to view these clinic dates.
• If your child receives immunization at a health care provider, you must contact the health unit to provide the type of immunization and the date received.

Suspensions

Click here for location and contact information for all local health unit offices

Fact Sheets for required secondary school immunizations:

• Tdap/Adacel™(Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) Fact Sheet
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Fact Sheet