TORONTO — With the 2025–2026 school year approaching, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is reminding parents, guardians, and school staff of the urgent need to update and report student vaccinations—or risk suspension from school.
Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students must have documented immunizations against a set of serious communicable diseases unless a valid exemption has been submitted. For the upcoming year, TPH will focus enforcement on students in grades 2 to 5, born between 2015 and 2018, as vaccine reporting for measles remains critically low in that age group.
“Our goal is to ensure all students are protected and that Toronto classrooms remain safe, healthy learning environments,” said Toronto Public Health in its August 27 news release.
What Vaccines Are Required?
Vaccines required under ISPA include:
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Measles, mumps, rubella
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Diphtheria, tetanus, polio
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Pertussis (whooping cough)
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Meningococcal disease
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Varicella (chicken pox) – required for students born in 2010 or later
Students who lack proof of vaccination or a valid exemption may face suspension from school for up to 20 days.
Next Steps for Parents and Guardians
- Check vaccination records – Review your child’s Ontario Immunization Record (yellow card) or access ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario) online.
- Get missing vaccines – Available through your health care provider or at TPH community vaccination clinics.
- Report updated records to TPH – This must be done by parents, guardians, or students aged 16+. Health care providers do not report vaccines on your behalf.
- 📺 Watch the how-to video on using ICON: TPH YouTube – ICON Guide
- Book an appointment or report immunizations at: toronto.ca/StudentVaccines
School-Based Vaccine Programs Return
TPH will also resume its School Immunization Program for students in grades 7 and 8, offering free vaccines for:
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Meningococcal disease (required under ISPA)
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Hepatitis B (voluntary but recommended)
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) (voluntary but recommended to prevent cancers)
Missed a dose during the pandemic? Students in grades 7 to 12 who missed earlier school-based vaccines can still get them for free at TPH clinics or from a health care provider.
🔗 Learn more: TPH School Immunization Program
Why Measles Immunity Matters
With global travel and outbreaks on the rise, measles remains a serious concern. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends two doses of the measles vaccine. In the event of an outbreak at a school, unvaccinated students and staff may be excluded from school to prevent spread.
“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children and school communities from serious diseases,” TPH noted.
Public Health Watch
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