Immunization Exemptions

In Ontario, children attending school or licensed child care must either be up to date with their immunizations or have an exemption on file with public health. 

What is an immunization exemption?

An immunization exemption allows your child to attend school or licensed child care without specific vaccines. These exemptions are legal documents and must be completed accurately and submitted to your local public health unit.

There are four types of exemptions:

• Medical exemption for childcare: For children who cannot be immunized due to medical reasons

• Medical exemption for school pupils: For children in school with medical reasons preventing immunization

• Non-medical exemption for childcare: For families with religious or personal beliefs against immunization

• Non-medical exemption for school pupils: For families with religious or personal beliefs against immunization

Have more questions? Here are some common questions and answers about Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) from the Ministry of Health.

Exemption submission tips

Avoid resubmitting Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief exemption document(s). Ensure the following:

• All sections of the form are completed in full and with accuracy (no spelling or date mistakes)

• Only a current version of the form is submitted

• No alterations are made to the form (The Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief is a prescribed form under legislation and alterations or crossed out sections render the form invalid)

• For school aged children under the Immunization of School Pupils Act only: The parent / legal guardian who obtains the Vaccine Education Certificate is the same one to complete the form

What are the risks and responsibilities?

If your child is not fully immunized, it’s important to understand:

• Health risks: Your child may be vulnerable to serious illnesses like measles, mumps, or whooping cough

• Outbreak precautions: During an outbreak, children without required immunizations may need to stay home until it’s safe to return

It’s never too late to vaccinate. If you change your mind, contact us to update your child’s records.

What to do next

• Have questions? Call 1-800-922-0096 to talk to a public health nurse.

• Ready to submit? Visit our nearest office with your completed forms, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.:

• St. Thomas: 1230 Talbot Street

• Woodstock: 410 Buller Street