- Immunization Records
- Kindergarten Registration
- Collecting Student Immunization Records
- Obtaining Exemptions
- Suspension Procedures
Immunization Records
Under this program, it is mandatory that all new students in the Region of Peel submit immunization documentation or confirmation of exemption to the school before admission. Under the Education Act, section 265 (m), the principal can defer entry to the classroom if this is not done.
New Registrants
Private schools and kindergarten registrants are considered new registrants. Students transferring between the two Boards of Education are not considered new.
Assessment of the record is done as part of the routine review process through the Immunization Department, and not prior to school entry.
The school:
- Distributes the Immunization Records Form for Registrants to School to all new registrants.
- Collects the completed form along with one of the following:
- A copy of the student’s immunization record card
- A copy of any immunization documentation (with dates) from another province or country
- A letter from a physician with date(s) of immunization(s)
- Official Confirmation of Exemption letter from Peel Public Health
- Accepts any immunization record that contains at least one dated entry. Assessing the completeness of a record is not a school responsibility. These records can be in any language and do not need to be translated.
- Refers students without an immunization record to their family physician to obtain one.
- Refers students without an immunization record and without an Ontario Health Card (OHIP) to Peel Public Health.
- Advises parents and students that free immunization clinics are offered to students without an Ontario Health Card living in the Region of Peel. Parents can call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 to book an appointment.
- Photocopies the immunization record and forwards a copy attached to the Immunization Records Form for Registrants to School via Board courier to Peel Public Health.
- Refers students/parents requesting a medical or religious/philosophical exemption to Peel Public Health.
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Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registrants are considered new school registrants.
The school:
- Distributes the Immunization Records Form for Registrants to School to all parents of children registering for kindergarten.
- Instructs the parent to complete the form.
- Attaches a photocopy of the immunization record to the Immunization Records Form for Registrants to School
- Forwards via Board courier to Peel Public Health.
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Collecting Student Immunization Records
Peel Public Health uses a computerized database to collect immunization information on all students under the age of 18 attending licensed child care or school in the Region of Peel.
The system allows Peel Public Health to monitor rates of immunization coverage and rapidly prepare for school clinics in the event of an outbreak of disease. It also automates the transfer of immunization records between Ontario Public Health departments through a central database at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
Electronic student data from the Boards of Education assist in maintaining current student data.
- Immunization Record Update Forms are issued for students identified as having inadequate immunization records.
- The screening of immunization records requires the cooperation of parents, students, school staff, and Peel Public Health.
- After the student immunization records are screened, the rates of vaccine coverage and protection from disease for a school population are known. The screening of immunization records helps protect the health and safety of the staff and students in your school.
- Principals of schools scheduled for record screening will be notified of the date of the screening.
The school:
- Ensures that all immunization records and completed Immunization Record Update Forms sent by parents are promptly forwarded to Peel Public Health via your Board courier.
- Makes sure that each record includes the following information:
- Student’s Name
- Date of Birth
- School Name
- Refers parents’ questions about immunization records to Peel Public Health.
- Refers questions about vaccine information and immunization schedules to Peel Public Health.
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Obtaining Exemptions
Parents or guardians of students requesting exemption from the Immunization of School Pupils Act (1990) for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons must obtain a Statement of Medical Exemption form or Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Affidavit from Peel Public Health.
When the parent returns an appropriately completed and signed medical or religious/ philosophical exemption form to Peel Public Health, Peel Public Health forwards a Confirmation of Exemption form to the parent to permit attendance at school.
Any charges incurred for the completion of exemption forms are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
For more information, read the exemption fact sheet entitled, Immunization: Your Best Protection.
The school:
- Refers parents requesting an exemption from the Immunization of School Pupils Act (1990), to Peel Public Health.
- Allows students to attend school upon the receipt of the Confirmation of Exemption form.
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Suspension Procedures
The Immunization of School Pupils Act (1990) allows the Medical Officer of Health to suspend students with incomplete immunization records from attending school. Schools are screened on an annual basis for student immunization record completeness and for distribution of the Immunization Record Update Form. Failure of parents to respond adequately to the request results in potential student suspension.
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