At the beginning of the 2022/2023 school year, the health unit resumed offering three free vaccines to protect against serious diseases (hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal (Men-C-ACWY)) through the school immunization program for all Grade 7 and 8 students. These vaccines are free only through the school immunization program and not through a health care provider.

School immunization nurses are back in elementary schools this April to June to provide round two for the three free vaccines for grade 7 and 8 students. Information and details for the upcoming school-based clinics will be provided through your child's school and a list of school clinics is also provided below.

If your child misses their school clinic, ensure they get caught up by booking an appointment online at one of our health unit offices, or call Health Connection at 1-877-721-7520 (toll free) or 1-705-721-7520, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note that the vaccine to protect against Meningitis (Meningococcal Conjugate ACYW) is one of the vaccines designated under the Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) which requires that children and youth attending primary or secondary school be immunized against certain diseases unless they have a valid exemption.

Vaccines Available at Catch-Up Clinics for Grades 7 & 8

Hepatitis B (Hep B)

This vaccine is important because it prevents against Hep B as it is a contagious viral infection of the liver.  The vaccine requires two doses six months apart for those 11-15 years of age and a three dose series if over 16 years of age to fully protect against the disease.  This vaccine is voluntary and not required under the ISPA.  Please be sure to let us know if your child has received Hep B as an infant or child through your health care provider (including Twinrix), as this will impact how many (if any) doses of Hep B your child requires for complete protection.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

This vaccine is important because it reduces the risk of various types of cancers such as throat and cervical cancer.  The vaccine requires two doses six months apart to fully protect against the disease.  This vaccine is voluntary and not required under the ISPA. 

Hepatitis B and HPV-9 are both a two dose vaccine series, given six months apart. It is important that students complete their two-dose series of both of these vaccines to ensure optimal protection. 

Meningococcal Conjugate C-ACYW (Men-C-ACYW)

This vaccine is important because this disease is very serious and can lead to brain or blood infection. This vaccine requires only one dose for full protection. This vaccine is mandatory for children in Ontario to attend school, as outlined in the Immunization of School Pupils Act. 

The following are school immunization clinics for Elementary aged school students. Check back as the list will be updated frequently. Please note that these clinics will provide ONLY routine immunizations and NOT the COVID-19 vaccine.

Please note that school immunization clinics are for students attending the school only. If your child's school is not listed, please check back or look into booking an appointment with your health care provider or at a health unit clinic.