Children must either be up to date with immunizations or have an exemption on file with public health to go to school or child care in Ontario. There are four kinds of exemptions:
- Medical exemption for child care
- Non-medical exemption for child care
- Medical exemption for school pupils
- Non-medical exemption for school pupils
These immunization exemptions are legal documents that must be notarized and not changed in any way. All of the forms are available online or at one of our locations.
Medical exemption for children in child care
If your child is not immunized because of medical reasons, you must have a legal Statement of Medical Exemption (Child Care) form completed by a doctor or a nurse practitioner and filed at the health unit.
Non-medical exemption for children in child care
If you have decided not to immunize your child for non-medical reasons, you must provide a legal Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief (Child Care) form to the health unit.
Medical exemption for school pupils
If your child cannot be immunized because of medical reasons, you must have a legal Statement of Medical Exemption (School Pupils) form completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner and filed at the health unit.
Non-medical exemption for school pupils
If you have decided not to immunize your child for non-medical reasons, there are a few steps you must follow to get an exemption:
- Complete an immunization education session at Southwestern Public Health
- Complete the Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief (School Pupils) form that is signed, and sworn or affirmed before a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits; and
- Return both the certificate of completion from the education session and the completed Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Form to Southwestern Public Health
- The education session and Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief form must be completed by the same parent/guardian
Immunization education sessions
By law, parents/guardians who are considering getting a non-medical vaccine exemption for their child(ren) must complete an immunization education session at a health unit.
Sessions last about an hour. You will need to bring photo ID and plan to fill out some paperwork. You will receive a Vaccine Education Certificate at the end of your session.
Please call us to book an appointment or learn more.
Risks and responsibilities of not being immunized
If your child is not immunized or not completely immunized, know your risks and responsibilities from the Canadian Paediatric Society. Learn about the diseases that your child is not immunized against, and remember it is never too late to change your mind.