NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGION PUBLIC HEALTH
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Niagara Region Public Health is reminding parents and guardians to review and update their children’s immunization records as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). This provincial law mandates that all Ontario students must be vaccinated against nine diseases, or have valid exemptions, to attend school. High vaccination rates are essential for protecting children, reducing school disruptions and preventing outbreaks.
"Keeping immunization records up to date is vital for protecting children and supporting the health of our community," said Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Azim Kasmani. "Accurate records help us respond quickly to outbreaks by identifying at-risk individuals and taking necessary precautions to protect everyone."
Why it's important to review your child's immunization records
Parents and guardians are responsible for directly reporting immunization updates to Public Health, as healthcare providers and schools do not do this for you. We encourage families to proactively review and update their children’s immunization records to ensure they are current.
Public Health is working to update records for over 13,000 students with incomplete immunization records, in many cases due to unreported vaccinations or missing vaccination information. A reminder notice will only be sent to families who have a student with an incomplete immunization record on file.
How to update your child’s immunization record
To make the process easier, families can use Immunization Connect (ICON), a secure online provincial system for tracking and reporting immunizations to Public Health.
- Log into Immunization Connect (ICON) to review your child’s immunization history and check the "Immunizations Needed" section for any missing vaccines.
- This section will show if your child is due or overdue for vaccines according to Ontario’s routine vaccination schedule.
- Some vaccines may not be required under ISPA but are recommended as part of the routine schedule (e.g., free hepatitis B and HPV vaccines offered to Grade 7 students).
- Add any missing vaccines that have been administered.
- Book an appointment to receive any missing vaccines. Vaccines are available at healthcare providers, walk-in clinics (please call ahead to check vaccine availability) or Public Health vaccination clinics.
- Public Health will be holding a vaccination clinic at participating secondary schools (including indicated alternative education locations). Students can only attend the clinic located at their own school. Monitor Baby, Children and Youth Vaccinations as clinic dates will be posted as they are confirmed.
Exemptions
If your child has a valid exemption on file with Public Health, you will not be contacted about the vaccine(s) your child is exempt from. Exemption forms for child care expire when a child enters school in September, and a new exemption process must be completed for school-aged children.
Improving vaccination coverage
Annual reviews of immunization records help improve vaccination coverage across Niagara. As vaccine schedules vary, reviewing records each year ensures that children stay up to date and protected. Thanks to the community’s efforts, vaccination rates for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 improved significantly during last year’s immunization record review, including:
- Measles: 78 to 92 per cent
- Polio: 76 to 93 per cent
- Varicella (chickenpox): 66 to 91 per cent
Don’t wait—check your child’s immunization record today and report any missing vaccination information to Public Health as soon as possible. Keeping immunizations up to date is essential for your child’s health and well-being.
Need help?
For assistance or questions about immunization records, requirements, exemptions or clinic appointments, visit the Niagara Region Public Health website or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7425 to speak with a public health nurse.
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