General News
Health Unit returning to schools for spring Grade 7 immunizations
April 9, 2026 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Immunization nurses from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will return to local schools to complete the routine immunization series for Grade 7 students and offer catch-up opportunities for Grade 8 students who missed their Grade 7 vaccine series.
The immunization program began on April 7.
Immunization remains one of the best tools to protect youth against harmful diseases before they may encounter them.
The vaccines offered during the school-based clinics significantly reduce the risk of Hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis and human papillomavirus infections.
The Health Unit recommends following Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule to stay up to date with vaccinations. Parents and caregivers should be aware that the meningococcal vaccine is required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
In keeping with Ontario’s ISPA requirements, all children and youth in elementary and secondary schools must be immunized against specific diseases unless they have a valid exemption.
While the hepatitis B and HPV vaccines aren’t mandatory under the ISPA, they are highly recommended to help keep students healthy.
The HPV vaccine in particular, offers strong protection against the risks of several cancers, such as cervical and throat cancer, and it also prevents genital warts.
Having up-to-date immunizations helps ensure that students have the best protection against serious vaccine-preventable diseases, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools, and allows the Health Unit to act quickly to prevent and control outbreaks.
Parents who have questions about vaccines can learn more online at mdhu.org/Grade7 or speak with a Health Unit nurse by calling the immunization program at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.
There is also information online about the date the Health Unit will visit your child’s school, along with details on the Grade 7 vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
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