Immunizations for Youth and School Vaccine Information

2021-2022

School Vaccine Consent Form (pdf - 254 KB) (This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly). 

Due to COVID-19, eligibility for some vaccines has been extended:

• Students born in 2006 and 2007 remain eligible for the Hepatis B vaccine until August 31^st, 2022.
• Girls born in 2002 and 2003 remain eligible for the Human Papillomavirus vaccine until August 31^st, 2022.

Students require consent to get the Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines. Students are old enough to give consent for the vaccines but usually consent along with their parent(s). See or print school vaccine consent (pdf - 254 KB) (This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly).. Make sure that you and your youth have discussed what vaccines are to be given prior to the appointment.

Where can my youth receive immunizations?

Updating your child’s immunization records: 

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for updating OPH every time their child receives immunizations given by their health care provider. Providing immunization updates to OPH helps protect your child and the public in case there is ever a vaccine preventable disease outbreak in our community.  

To check to see if your child is due for vaccinations, or to update your child’s immunization record with OPH, please visit the online Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App. 

Where can my youth receive immunizations?  

Nurses from Ottawa Public Health will hold clinics at your child’s school this Fall for youth in Grade 7 and 8.

*Schools will be added as dates are confirmed.

Youth may also be eligible to attend one of Ottawa Public Health’s community clinics:

• If they did not receive their vaccine through the school-based vaccination clinic and are now in Grade 9-12
• If they were unable to attend their in-school clinic and are in Grade 7-8.

Note: According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the current recommendations for a COVID-19 vaccine are:

• Wait 14 days after a non-COVID-19 vaccine before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
• Wait 28 days after each dose of COVID-19 vaccine before receiving any other vaccine

To book an appointment at one of OPH’s community clinics for a child or youth 0-17 years old, please see OPH Community Clinic.

Gr 7 and 8 vaccinations at your doctor’s office: 

Additionally, in Ontario, routine immunizations can be given at your family doctor or a walk-in clinic, if your family doctor or the walk-in clinic has agreed to offer this service. If your child requires a routine vaccination, please follow up with their primary care provider. Your doctor can complete a form to send to the Ottawa Public Health vaccine room.

If you are currently looking for a family doctor please register with Health Care Connect, and a nurse will help you find a doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in our community. 

Reducing pain during vaccination

Getting a vaccine might be a scary for some youth. Try some of these helpful tips; they may be your best shot to help your youth overcome their fear.

Offer helpful distractions such as:

• Talking to your youth
• Having them listen to music with earphones
• Getting them to play games or texting on a cell phone

For older children and youth who are very fearful, think about medications that numb the skin:

• Talk to your health care provider about creams such as EMLA^® or Ametop^® that can help numb the skin. They are available without a prescription.
• Ask your health care provider to show you the right locations to apply the cream. Keep in mind that, on some visits, more than one injection may be given. Read the instructions before applying the product. It must be on the skin 30 to 60 minutes before the injection(s). 
• Offering praise and a reward after vaccinations can help children and youth of all ages!