SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In partnership with local school boards, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) will once again bring vaccine clinics directly to schools this fall, helping Grade 7 students stay up to date on recommended immunizations. Beginning Oct. 9, students will be offered three free, publicly funded vaccines that help protect against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease (Men-C-ACYW) and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Public health nurses will visit elementary schools across Simcoe Muskoka from October through December to provide the first round of vaccinations. Information packages and consent forms were sent home in early September. If you did not receive a form, please contact your student’s teacher or call the health unit at 705‑721‑7520, ext. 8827, or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

School clinics are a convenient way for students to stay up to date with their immunizations. Support is available for students who may feel nervous about receiving a vaccine at school. Parents and guardians can contact the health unit to discuss options to help their student feel more comfortable.

Public health nurses are experienced in supporting students who may be anxious about immunization and use strategies to help reduce pain, stress and worry.

Vaccines help protect youth from serious diseases before they are exposed. Meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and HPV can cause serious health complications. The vaccines offered through the Grade 7 program are safe, effective and provide strong protection. The HPV vaccine also helps prevent several types of cancer, including cervical and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.

In Ontario, all health units offer in-school immunizations clinics to increase access to these vaccines and reduce barriers for families. While students may also receive their Grade 7 vaccines through their health-care provider, many providers do not routinely stock these vaccines and must specially order them. Parents and guardians interested in this option should speak with their health-care provider. Students learning from home or not attending school in person can book an appointment at a health unit clinic.

The health unit encourages families to follow Ontario's publicly funded immunization schedule and ensure their students remain up to date with recommended vaccines. Keeping immunizations current helps protect students, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools and supports a healthier community.

For information about vaccinations, clinic dates and tips to help students prepare for a clinic, visit smdhu.org/Grade7.