An immunization record, or yellow card, keeps track of all immunizations, or vaccinations, that you or your child has received. It is important to make sure that this record is kept up-to-date and stored in a safe place with your other important documents.
Personal immunization records may be required for school, work or travel. They may be needed if an outbreak occurs to provide proof of protection. An up-to-date immunization record will prevent unnecessary extra shots.
You can get a yellow immunization card from your doctor or the health unit to keep a record of the shots. They should be brought to all immunization appointments to keep updated.
Written immunization records are needed when:
- Starting day nursery or school
- Transferring to a school in another area
- Going to camp
- Starting university, college or a job
- Receiving emergency health care
- Travelling to other countries
Keeping track of children’s shots
All children attending school in Ontario are required, by law as outlined in the Immunization of School Pupils Act, R.S.O. 1990 to have proof of specific immunizations. These shots include: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Other vaccines are provided, but they are voluntary and not required for school attendance.
It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to make sure they have an up-to-date immunization record for their child.
A photocopy of your child’s immunization record is provided to the Health Unit when your child registers for school. This information is regularly reviewed to ensure all children are up-to-date with their immunizations. Don’t forget to update the health unit whenever your child receives another shot.
If your child is not up-to-date with their immunizations, or the Health Unit requires additional information, a notice will be sent home outlining what is needed. You can speak to a Public Health Nurse to determine what shots are needed and when.
Why the Health Unit Needs Immunization Records
The Health Unit has the responsibility to help protect the public from disease. Children who are not fully immunized may be at risk for some diseases. Collecting immunization information helps us to determine who maybe at risk for disease. This information assists us to decide the best course of action if there is a disease outbreak.
Exemptions
You may decide because of medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. In this case, you will need to provide the Health Unit with a valid written exemption.
If your child has an exemption from having vaccines they are at risk for that specific disease. If the disease appears in your child’s school or daycare, your child may have to stay out of school/daycare on an order from the Medical Officer of Health until the outbreak is over.
Contact the Health Unit for more information or to obtain copies of required exemption forms.
Where do I get Immunized?
Many of the vaccines that are licensed for use in Canada are paid for by the government in Ontario, so there is no cost to receive these vaccines. They are available from your health care provider or at a Health Unit clinic. See the Immunizations Schedule for more detailed information on the vaccines available.
Call the Health Unit at 519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143 for your appointment.
Vaccines related to travel and some other specialized groups are not free.
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