Immunization requirements for school registration

Public health requirements for attending school

Parents provide immunization records to the Ottawa Public Health Immunization Program at the time of school registration, whether registering for the first time in school or transferring from schools in other parts of Ontario or Canada. The immunization information is collected and maintained by Ottawa Public Health in accordance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

All students attending school in Ontario must be immunized against:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (German measles)
• have a valid exemption (What do I do if I do not want my child immunized?)

Update your child’s immunization record

Any time your child gets a vaccination or booster shot you need to update their record with Ottawa Public Health by:

• Completing the online form
• Phone 613-580-6744, ext. 24108
• E-mail immunization@ottawa.ca
• Fax 613-580-9660 (make sure the immunization record clearly shows child's name, birth date, OHIP number and school)

Completing school registration

To complete the Public Health portion of school registration, contact the Ottawa Public Health Immunization Program at 613-580-6744, ext. 24108 for an appointment or information or e-mail immunization@ottawa.ca. You can also obtain the forms directly from the school during registration and complete them as directed.

• Please complete all the information on the Student Immunization Information form
• Return the completed form and a copy of the student's immunization record to the Ottawa Public Health Immunization Program or to the school. If the student is missing immunization or the information is incomplete, nurses from the Immunization Program will contact you during the school year.

Immunization is available at:

Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.

There is no charge for the vaccines available through public funding.

DO NOT GO TO THE CHEO EMERGENCY UNIT FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION. IT IS ONLY FOR EMERGENCY CARE.

Find a doctor:

• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822
• Call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744

Keeping immunization records

Your doctor should give you a written record whenever immunization is given to your child. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to take care of this record and keep it up to date. It’s as important as a birth certificate or passport. Health Canada recommends restarting immunization when the child has no documentation of immunization.

Written records are needed when:

• Starting day care or kindergarten
• Transferring to a new school in another area
• Going to summer camp
• Starting university or college, especially in health care programs
• Living in residence at university or college
• Going to work
• Traveling to countries where the diseases are common
• Going for emergency health care

Deciding not to immunize a child

A valid signed exemption is required if you decide not to immunize your child for medical, religious or philosophical reasons. Exemptions may be obtained by calling the Ottawa Public Health Immunization Program at 613-580-6744, ext. 24108 or at 1-866-426-8885, ext. 24108.