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Grade 7 vaccinations

Niagara Region Public Health offers free vaccines to all students starting Grade 7 in Ontario. These vaccines protect your child against Hepatitis B, meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV) — diseases that can have serious and lasting health consequences. Clinics are held at schools each fall.

What to do if your child is in Grade 7

1
Talk with your child about school vaccinations — what they are, why they matter, and how they will feel. Watch our video on school vaccinations.
2
Complete the online vaccination consent form whether you're choosing "yes" or "no". The form allows you to choose "yes" or "no" to each vaccine being offered. Public Health needs to know every student’s vaccination plan. If your online consent was submitted successfully, you will receive a confirmation email. Do not submit another online consent form unless you're changing your decision about vaccination.
3
Your child's school will confirm the dates of their school-based vaccination clinics (fall and spring).

If your child has already received any of these vaccines from a health care provider, report those vaccines to Public Health using Immunization Connect (ICON).

Grade 7 vaccines

All Grade 7 students can receive the following free vaccines.

Meningococcal disease (meningitis)

Under Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act, students must have the meningococcal vaccine or a valid exemption for school attendance. If your child is not vaccinated or exempted for meningococcal disease, you may receive communication from Public Health.

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can lead to infections of the brain and spinal cord, causing brain damage, blood poisoning, and sometimes death within 24–48 hours. The meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine is a single dose that protects against four strains of the bacteria.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus spread through blood and body fluids that can cause permanent liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The vaccine is given in a two or three dose series depending on your child's health history and age.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a family of viruses spread through skin-to-skin contact that can cause several types of cancer. The HPV vaccine series requires two doses given six months apart and protects against nine strains of the virus. Immunocompromised individuals may require three doses.

Missed Grade 7 vaccines

Students in Grades 8 to 12

High school students who missed their Grade 7 vaccines are still eligible for any missed doses. Students who live or attend school in Niagara can book an appointment if they missed their school clinic day, their school does not offer Grade 7 vaccines, or they need to catch up.

Book an appointment

If your child receives missed Grade 7 vaccines from a health care provider, report those vaccines to Public Health using Immunization Connect (ICON).

Preparing your child for vaccination

Talk to your child about:

Tips for vaccination day:

  • Make sure your child eats something before vaccination
  • Have your child wear a short sleeve shirt so the upper arm can be reached easily
  • Encourage your child to be calm and positive, and to help other students who might be nervous