January 12th, 2026

A Message from Region of Waterloo Public Health

Did you know? In Ontario, youth are required to receive a booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine 10 years after their last dose. The last dose would have typically been given at 4–6 years of age.

This means:

– If a student received their 4–6-year vaccines at age 4, their booster is due at age 14.
– If they received them at age 6, their booster is due at age 16.

Each student’s Tdap booster due date is exactly 10 years from their last dose.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students in Ontario must either be up to date on required vaccines or have a valid exemption on file to attend school. Public Health has recently mailed Request for Vaccination Record letters to all students in Grades 9-12 who have incomplete vaccine records on file.

If you have received a letter from Public Health, please choose the most appropriate option below to ensure the student’s record is updated:

– If this student has already received the vaccines listed on the first page of the letter, please report them to Public Health.
– If this student needs a vaccine, visit your health care provider or a walk-in clinic (call ahead) to get vaccinated. Bring the letter with you to your appointment. Once the student has had the vaccine, report it to Public Health.
– If this student does not have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP) or a health care provider, book an appointment with Public Health.
– If you do not wish to vaccinate this student, please visit our vaccine exemptions page to review your options.

Categories: Husky News