There are nine routine vaccines that are required for a student to attend elementary and secondary school in Ontario. This list does not include COVID-19 vaccinations. The Immunization of Schools Pupil Act (ISPA) is the legislation responsible for these requirements. The ISPA outlines that parents or guardians must report their child’s immunizations to their local public health unit. Public health units are funded by municipal and provincial governments, who are responsible for running programs and services to help keep the community healthy and safe.
A health care provider (HCP) (e.g., doctors, nurses, or nurse practitioners) administers vaccines to your children, but HCPs are not required to report vaccines to public health. Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting immunizations directly to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU).
Why is it Important to Report my Child’s Immunization Record to the Health Unit?
Immunizations work two-fold: they protect children from the consequences of deadly diseases, such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio, and they protect other children and the community by preventing the continued spread. Diseases are harder to spread when more people in a community are immunized.
To ensure the safety of the school community, the WECHU needs to act quickly when an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease occurs. Up-to-date immunization records help health unit staff and school administrators determine which children are at higher risk of these diseases and can then take steps to help keep these children safe. Depending on the level of risk, this may include keeping some children out of school based on missing immunizations until the threat is contained.
Something else to consider is that your child may need proof of vaccination in the future, such as when applying for post-secondary school or a job. Reporting your child’s immunizations to the WECHU every time they receive a vaccine (starting at 2 months of age) means that your child’s online immunization record is kept current. This benefits your family as you will always have access to a backup copy of your child’s immunization record if your paper copy gets lost or damaged.
We know you’re busy, so here are several ways for you to report your child’s immunization record to the WECHU:
- Online at immune.wechu.org (you’ll need your child’s health card number to log in).
- Fax your child’s immunization records to 519-258-7288.
- Bring the immunization record to our Windsor (1005 Ouellette Ave.) or Leamington (33 Princess St.) office location.
- Call the WECHU at 519-258-2146, ext. 1222 to update the records with a nurse.
We’re here to help! For more information visit www.wechu.org or call 519-258-2146, ext. 1222.
The Healthy Schools Team, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit