School Immunization Program
York Region Public Health in-school immunization clinics are offered throughout the school year, from fall to spring each year. Eligible students can be immunized against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal ACYW-135.
The school clinics have been completed for the 2023/24 school year and will resume in Fall 2024. Please review this web page in September 2024 for updated information.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. There is no cure for hepatitis B but most people will recover from it. About 10% of those infected with the virus will carry it for life and can spread the virus to others. Hepatitis B can cause permanent liver damage or even death. It is the biggest cause of liver cancer.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is an illness that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (infection of the blood). This disease can cause severe long-term health complications or death. All children attending school are legally required under the Immunization School Pupils Act to be immunized against meningococcal disease unless a valid exemption for medical, conscience or religious reasons is provided.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a very common virus that has many strains. Some strains of HPV cause cancers of the anus, rectum and throat while others cause genital warts or cervical cancer in females.
Many people with HPV do not have symptoms and can spread the virus without knowing it. Both males and females can be infected with HPV. Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact with an infected person, including contact with genital skin or bodily fluids.
York Region Public Health community immunization clinics offer free vaccinations by appointment to students who have missed any routine immunizations. For more information, visit york.ca/GetImmunized or book an appointment online.
Parents/Guardians are required to provide their child’s up to date immunization records to York Region Public Health. Parents/guardians may update their child’s immunization records on Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON).
Suspensions
Has your child been suspended? Here’s what you need to know.
All public health units in Ontario are required by law to collect and update immunization records for children registered in schools under the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act, 1990.
If you have received a school suspension notice from York Region Public Health, it is because we have not received your child’s up-to-date immunization information. Please follow the instructions on the suspension notice or contact us at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73456 for more information.