Ottawa Public Health Summer Immunization Reminder for Parents and Caregivers

Ottawa Public Health would like to share this important immunization reminder with OCDSB families.

In Ontario, all children attending school need to be vaccinated against nine diseases or have a valid exemption according to the Immunization of School Pupils Act. The vaccines that protect against these diseases are offered at no cost and help to protect children from serious illnesses that can be spread in schools, like measles and meningitis. The summer is a great time to catch up on any missed vaccines before the start of the next school year.

For the 2025-2026 school year, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will be doing a review of student immunization records for students born in 2008 and 2018.

A friendly reminder that parents and guardians are responsible to report vaccines administered to their school-aged children to Ottawa Public Health. Students may be at risk of suspension if their record at OPH is not up to date.

Parents and guardians of all school-aged children are encouraged to review and update their child’s immunization record with Ottawa Public Health, regardless of their year of birth.

What can you do to make sure your child is up to date?

• Compare your child’s vaccine records with the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule to make sure it is up to date. Speak to your health care provider about any vaccines your child needs.
• Report your child’s vaccine(s) to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). It is possible that your child is up to date on their vaccines, but OPH was not notified. Your health care provider does not report your child's vaccinations to OPH. Parents and guardians are required to report their child’s vaccinations to OPH.
• If your child does not have a primary care provider or an Ontario Health Card (OHIP) you can book an appointment with the Kids Come First Health Team to have your child’s vaccine record reviewed or to receive a vaccine. Routine childhood vaccines are also offered on a drop-in basis at the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.

If you have questions or wish to speak to a public health nurse about your child’s immunization record, you can call Ottawa Public Health, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 613-580-6744.