Immunizations for Youth and School Vaccine Information

Learn more on COVID-19 and immunizations

Vaccines are an important part of healthy growth and development. Think of them the same way you would healthy eating, physical activity, or proper sleep.   

Vaccines are a proven and safe way to prevent serious infections. Although we rarely see most of these diseases in Canada now, they still exist. If we stop vaccinating children, these diseases will return. Vaccines sometimes even prevent death.

Vaccines help your body to help itself. Your body will make antibodies when you get a vaccine. Antibodies help your immune system to identify and destroy a virus. This will protect your child and those around them.

Most vaccines are given by injection. Some are given orally (in the mouth). New types of vaccines, such as nasal sprays, make them less painful for some patients.

It is important to report any vaccines your child receives to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). OPH keeps a record of your child's vaccinations to help protect public safety. This is important if there is ever a disease outbreak.

Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) are responsible for updating Ottawa Public Health every time their child receives immunization from their doctor

Your child's health care provider and school are not mandated to report your child's immunization to OPH. Please visit our reporting page for more information on reporting vaccines to OPH.

What vaccines do my youth need?

In Grade 7

 Eligibility for school-based vaccines for the 2020-2021 school year

Grade

Vaccine

Grade 7 to 9 Students 

Meningococcal conjugate ACYW135 Vaccine-1 dose (Mandatory) 

Hepatitis B Vaccine-2 doses (Recommended) 

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-2 or 3 doses depending on age (Recommended) 

Grade 10 and 11 Students 

Meningococcal conjugate ACYW135 Vaccine (Mandatory if missed in grade 7) 

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Recommended) 

Grade 12 Males  

Meningococcal conjugate ACYW135 Vaccine (Mandatory if missed in grade 7) 

Grade 12 Females  

Meningococcal conjugate ACYW135 Vaccine (Mandatory if missed in grade 7) 

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Recommended) 

Females who graduated in June 2020 

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine series (Recommended) 

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). During your appointment, Ottawa Public Health nurses will obtain your verbal consent. Make sure that you and your youth have discussed what vaccines are to be given prior to the appointment.

Normally students receive vaccinations for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and Meningococcal in grade 7 at school clinics provided by Ottawa Public Health throughout the school year.  However, clinics for school vaccines are currently on hold due the pandemic. Please visit this webpage for the latest information.

Between the ages of 14 and 16 years

  1. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Tdap)

Your child should have received their first booster dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Check your youth's immunization record to find out when your youth was vaccinated. This 14-16 year old booster dose is required 10 years from their 4-6 year old booster dose. The Tdap vaccine is not given in schools. You will need to get it from your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can get it from a walk-in clinic.

If you are unsure whether your child has received one or more of these vaccines please call 613-580-6744 and speak to a nurse who can discuss which vaccines your child requires.

Visit our diseases prevented by routine vaccination page for more information on these diseases.

See what vaccines are publicly funded in Ontario in this resource. 

Where can my youth receive immunizations?

In Ontario, routine immunizations can be given at your family doctor or a walk-in clinic. If your child requires a routine vaccination, please follow up with their primary care provider.

Exceptionally this year, your primary care provider can order the school-based vaccines and immunize your child.

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! 
Vaccine safety
Please visit our Vaccine safety page.
Frequently asked questions
Looking for more information? Visit our Frequently asked questions page.

 Do you have more questions?

Contact Us