Please avoid wearing scented products when visiting Southwestern Public Health.
Each year, Southwestern Public Health offers vaccines to Grade 7 students through school-based clinics. We offer three vaccines through the school immunization program:
Students will receive an information package and vaccine consent form to bring home in early September. Learn more about vaccines for children at school from Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
Our nurses visit schools twice a year:
Fall visit – Students receive all three vaccines: Hepatitis B (Dose 1), Meningococcal, and HPV (Dose 1).
Spring visit – Students receive the second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
If your child is absent, you can book an appointment an immunization clinic or your child can be vaccinated the next time we visit their school.
Note the vaccine and date on the consent form
Not sure? Call us at 1-800-922-0096 and we’ll help confirm what your child still needs
What it prevents: Meningitis, blood infections
Spread by: Saliva, coughing, kissing, sharing drinks
Required? Yes – mandated by the Immunization of School Pupils Act
Exemptions: Must be notarized and submitted to Public Health
Vaccine contains:
Killed meningococcal bacteria
Diphtheria or tetanus toxoid
Sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, sucrose, trometamol
What it prevents: Liver damage, cancer, and jaundice
Spread by: Blood and body fluids
Required? No, but recommended
Eligibility: Free in Grade 7; available until high school graduation
Vaccine contains:
Killed Hep B virus
Aluminum, sodium chloride, yeast, sodium borate, formaldehyde (varies by brand)
What it prevents: Cervical, anal, mouth/throat cancers, and genital warts
Spread by: Sexual skin-to-skin contact
Required? No, but strongly recommended
Eligibility: Free in Grade 7; available until high school graduation
Doses: Ontario currently offers two doses, but research supports high protection from just one dose
Vaccine contains:
Killed HPV proteins
Yeast, sodium chloride, aluminum, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate
Nurses will monitor your child for 15 minutes after the shot
At home, use a cold compress and give Tylenol or Advil as needed
Make sure your child drinks fluids and rests
Questions? Contact your health care provider or a Public Health at 1-800-922-0096.
Frequently asked questions
Most students experience little to no side effects. The most common include:
Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
Tiredness, headache, fever, or mild digestive symptoms
Serious allergic reactions are rare. Seek medical help if your child experiences:
Hives
Wheezing
Swelling of the face or mouth
Can my child get these vaccines from their health care provider?
Most local providers do not stock these vaccines. Public Health is the most accessible option.
What if my child is afraid of needles?
Our nurses are trained to support students who feel nervous. We use calming strategies and distraction techniques. For students with high anxiety, consider booking a clinic appointment instead.
Yes! Your child will bring home a vaccination record. Please keep it with their other health documents.
Yes. Vaccines used in Canada are thoroughly tested and continually monitored for safety.
Contact Us
Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)
St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9
Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2
Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us
Work with Us
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) values our people! We pride ourselves on our positive and flexible work environment.
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