Grade 7 Immunization
To report, obtain, or update an immunization record or view vaccines you are due for, use the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) system
What is the Grade 7 Immunization Program?
Every year grade 7 students are offered 3 vaccines through the school immunization program. Students are offered Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus, and the Meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal vaccine is required for attending school while Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are not required but recommended to protect children from these diseases.
These 3 immunizations will be offered at all elementary and intermediate schools beginning Fall 2023 and then again in the Spring of 2024. View the schedule to see when we will be at your school.
Meningococcal ACYW-135 (1 dose only, fall) *this vaccination is different than Meningococcal C vaccine received in childhood*
Hepatitis B (2 doses, 6 months apart - fall and spring)
HPV (2 doses, 6 months apart - fall and spring)
About the diseases
What is Invasive Meningococcal Disease?
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by Neisseria Meningitidis bacterium. IMD is transmitted from person-to-person through contact with respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, sharing food and water bottles) of an infected person.
Symptoms of IMD usually include acute fever and progression to meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is an infection which leads to inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis symptoms include intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and stiff neck
Learn more about Meningococcal Conjugate ACYW-135.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus that can lead to permanent liver damage. It is the biggest cause of liver cancer worldwide. You can get Hepatitis B through the blood and other body fluids of an infected person. It's primarily a sexually transmitted disease, but it can also be transmitted through used needles, and dirty equipment for tattooing or ear/body piercings. An infected mother can pass it to her child at birth.
There is no cure for Hepatitis B. People with the disease often become tired, feverish, lose their appetite, and sometimes get yellow skin and eyes (called jaundice). Most people get well, but about 10 percent will carry the virus for life and keep infecting other people. Some people will continue to have liver problems for the rest of their lives.
Learn more about hepatitis B.
What is Human Papillomavirus?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be passed from one person to another through direct skin contact that occurs during sexual activity. People with HPV infection may not know that they have this infection because they can have no symptoms at all. However, they can pass the infection to their sexual partners.
HPV infection usually goes away on its own, however, in some people the infection can remain and slowly lead to cancer if it is not found and treated. The HPV-9 vaccine protects against nine different types of HPV infections which are responsible for cervical cancers, vulvar cancers, vaginal cancers, anal cancers and oropharyngeal cancers. 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Learn more about Human Papillomarivus.
In School Vaccination Clinic Dates
School-based Immunization Schedule 2023/2024 (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines are offered?
Where are the needles given?
What does it feel like when you get a vaccine?
What can a student expect?
What if a student is absent on the day of the clinic?
How can I check or update my child's vaccination record?
Keeping your child's vaccinations up-to-date is important. At this time, health care providers are not required to report immunizations to public health, and this responsibility is with parents and caregivers.
There are three ways you can update your child’s immunization record:
- Online - Immunization Connect Ontario is a web-based service provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that allows you to securely submit immunization information. To use this online service, visit www.algomapublichealth.com/ICON
- Return the attached consent form with the details of the vaccines received.
- Telephone - you can call our Immunization Records at 705-942-4646 ext. 3535, or your local APH office.
My child already started these vaccinations. Can they complete them at school?
Yes, if you child is in grade 7, 8 and/or 9 and received their first dose at least 6 months ago, they can complete their Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines at school. Please complete your child's school immunization consent form and return to the school prior to the specified date.
If your child is in grade 10 - 12, please connect with your primary care provided or local Public Health Unit to make an appointment to complete your child's vaccination series.
My child is learning remotely. How can they get their immunizations?
You may connect your child’s primary care provided or local Public Health Unit to make an appointment.
Can my child get the school vaccinations if they were just vaccinated for COVID-19?
Yes. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated its recommendations on the co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. For individuals 5 years of age and older, COVID-19 vaccines may be given on the same day, or at any time before or after, non-COVID vaccines.
Tell me more about Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Tell me more about Hepatitis B
Tell me more about Invasive Meningococcal Disease
Exemptions
Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA)
- The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that all students be fully immunized, unless a valid medical or non-medical/religious exemption is filed with the Public Health Unit
- In Ontario, ISPA states that all children attending school must be adequately immunized against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal Disease
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella (chickenpox) - mandatory for students born on or after January 1, 2010
Learn more about the Immunization of Schools Pupil Act (ISPA).
