Immunization Record Review for School Attendance

Every year the Middlesex-London Health Unit reviews records of students that attend elementary and secondary school to ensure their immunizations are up to date. Letters go home each year for students who are not up-to-date according to the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule in Ontario, which is regulated under the Immunization of School Pupil's Act (R.R.O. 1990).

NOTE: Your student may receive a letter about their immunization record whether they are attending classes in-school or on-line. Immunizations remain important for children and students of all ages.

Also NOTE: Although COVID-19 vaccine is important for students in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in school, it is not currently a vaccine required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (R.R.O. 1990). Students who are not immunizated against COVID-19 do not require an exemption at this time.

If the student is missing required vaccinations:

See the letter to know what doses are required and currently missing. Please take the letter to your health care provider when your child is to receive their vaccine(s)

• Young children are often missing the dates of the two 4 to 6 year old immunizations, Tdap-IPV (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella)
• Children in grade 8 or higher may have missed their grade 7 vaccinations, which included the required vaccine for meningococcal ACYW-135. This vaccination may not be available at all healthcare providers.
• Older children may have missed their 14 to 16 year old booster for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). This vaccination is due 10 years after the 4 to 6 year old booster was given, so some students become overdue for this before they turn 16.
• Students can receive all necessary vaccines from their health care provider. The Middlesex-London Health Unit's Immunization Clinic may also be available to give the required vaccines.

Exemptions

For children under the age of four years of age in child care centres and preschool, please review the Health Unit's immunization information for babies and preschool children.

Since immunizations are required by law for children 4-17 years old to attend school in Ontario, a legal affidavit is required if children are not going to be immunized. Some children are not immunized, due to serious illness or allergy, which requires a Statement of Medical Exemption to be completed by a Doctor.  Some families choose not to immunize due to philosophical or religious beliefs. These children require a Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief which needs to be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths, and their parents/guardians must attend an information session about vaccines at the health unit.

NOTE: Immunization exemption forms are for child and youth immunizations required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (R.R.O. 1990). Adults requiring immunization exemptions for school and/or employment purposes are encouraged to speak to their doctor, school, or employer for more information.

Instructions for exempting a child in school

1. Read instructions about getting the affidavit and having the form signed
2. Statement of Conscience of Religious Belief form - click here to get form (for children in school)
3. Read the risks of not vaccinating your child
4. Schedule an information session at the Health Unit by calling 519-663-5317.
5. Bring the original copy of the affidavit to the Health Unit (355 Wellington St., London, ON). No faxes or copies will be accepted.
6. Please note: you do not have to bring anything to the school office, all exemptions are managed through public health.

Statement of Medical Exemption

Medical exemption forms are also available for severe medical allergies or conditions where immunization is not indicated, and need to be filled out by a physician. Please call 519-663-5317 to obtain this form.

Children who are not Immunized

When children are not immunized, they are at risk for the specific diseases that vaccines prevent. When submitting these forms, parents need to know that if there is a disease outbreak at their child’s school, and their child is not immunized, the Medical Officer of Health will not allow the child to attend until the outbreak is over. This is done to protect their health. For more information, please learn about the the risks of not immunizing your child.