Exemption from Child Care Vaccinations

Exemption forms must be returned to Public Health by mail. We're not accepting in-person exemption forms because our Public Health offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19.

The Child Care and Early Years Act requires that children attending any licensed child care facility or nursery school in Ontario be immunized against certain diseases or have a valid exemption on file at your child care centre and at Niagara Region Public Health.

If you choose to exempt your child from vaccinations for medical, religious or philosophical reasons, you need to submit a:

  • Statement of medical exemption, or
  • Statement of conscience or religious belief affidavit

An updated exemption form will need to be re-submitted once your child enters a school in Ontario.

There are things to keep in mind when you choose not to vaccinate your child.

Statement of Medical Exemption

  • A medical exemption must be completed by your health care provider
  • Niagara Region Public Health cannot legally accept a fax or photocopy of the exemption. If you require an original copy for your personal files, have your health care provider complete two exemptions.
  • If you move to another public health unit area at a future date, you may be required to complete another exemption at that time

Complete these steps:

  1. Download the form

    You can also call Niagara Region Public Health to have one mailed to you at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425.

  2. Mail or drop-off completed exemption forms to:

    3. Main Office Location
    Niagara Region Public Health
    1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Campbell East, Thorold
    Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Mailing Address
    Vaccine Preventable Disease Program
    c/o Niagara Region Public Health
    P.O. Box 1052, Station Main,
    Thorold, ON L2V 0A2

Statement of Conscience or Religious Beliefs Affidavit

  • The affidavit must be signed and stamped by a commissioner of oaths, notary public or a justice of the peace
  • The commissioner of oaths must print their name (lawyers, print law society number), full address, telephone number, title and seal if available
  • Niagara Region Public Health cannot accept an affidavit that has been altered, faxed or photocopied. If you require an original for your personal files, have the commissioner complete two forms.
  • If you move to another public health unit area at a future date, you may be required to complete another affidavit at that time

To exempt your child from vaccination for conscience or religious reasons, complete these steps:

  1. Fill-out and print the form

    You can also call Niagara Region Public Health to have one mailed to you at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425.

  2. Have the affidavit signed and stamped by a commissioner of oaths
  3. Completed affidavits can be mailed or delivered in person to:

    4. Main Office Location
    Niagara Region Public Health
    1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Campbell East, Thorold
    Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Mailing Address
    Vaccine Preventable Disease Program
    c/o Niagara Region Public Health
    P.O. Box 1052, Station Main,
    Thorold, ON L2V 0A2

Commissioner of Oaths

A commissioner of oaths is a person authorized to take your oath or solemn affirmation when you sign an affidavit or a statutory declaration. Commissioners of oaths are:

  • Regional clerk or deputy regional clerk
  • City clerk or deputy clerk
  • Treasurers or deputy treasurers of municipalities
  • Justices of the Peace (for items of a legal nature)
  • Lawyers, licensed paralegals
  • MPs, MPPs
  • Police chiefs
  • Some staff at the Service Ontario, Government Information Centre are Commissioners

Some commissioners will provide the service at no cost, others may charge a fee. Multiple pieces of photo ID may also be required.

Call your local municipality to find out if the service is available, if there's a cost, and if an appointment is necessary.

During an Outbreak

In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease, your child will be excluded from attending child care for the duration of the outbreak.

Page Feedback Did you find what you were looking for today?