Public Health offers Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines to Grade 7 students each school year. More information for parents and caregivers and dates for the school clinics can be found at wdgpublichealth.ca/immunizeGr7.
There will also be catch up clinics scheduled for secondary schools for students who received a letter from Public Health stating that their vaccinations are not up to date.
Role of School Administrators/Principals for Grade 7 clinics
WDG Public Health will send schools an email with a letter for parents which includes a link to the online Grade 7 Immunization Consent Form. Schools are to send this letter to parents within the first two weeks of school and again, as a reminder two weeks prior to the scheduled school clinic. Please direct any questions or concerns to 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
For this clinic to be successful, we need your help to ensure the school clinic environment is safe for your students, staff and WDG Public Health staff by making the following provisions:
- Book the clinic in the gym or library and ensure the clinic space is closed for all other activities while WDG Public Health is present for the clinic.
- Provide snacks/drinks, as available, through your school’s nutrition program.
- Allow student use of personal devices while attending clinic for distraction purposes.
- Allow for parent or peer support if requested by student.
- Provide adult chairs and tables.
- Stock the clinic space with a large garbage can.
- Provide printed/emailed class lists for students in Grade 7 and 8, including full name and date of birth.
Role of elementary teachers
As a teacher, you also play a role in a successful vaccination clinic at your school:
- Support students in preparing for upcoming vaccinations. Consider educating your students on how vaccines work in the body!
- Send out reminders for parents to complete the online consent forms as soon as possible.
- If parents need support to complete the online consent form, please advise them to call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 to speak to a Public Health Nurse.
- If it is not possible for parents to use the online consent form, a paper copy can be requested by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions for School Staff about the Grade 7 Immunization Program
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Which students should receive the online consent form?
All current Grade 7 students should be provided with the link to the online consent form. Any Grade 8 students who have not yet received their Grade 7 vaccines and would like to receive them at the school clinic. Parents/guardians or students can request access to the online consent form by:
- Visiting wdgpublichealth.ca/immunizeGr7
- Contacting their school’s office administrator
- Calling WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006
How can we help support nervous students?
There are several strategies available to support nervous or anxious students. Prior to the clinic, families can refer to Improving the vaccination experience for your child on the WDGPH website and review the CARD system checklist with their child. At the clinic, options for private spaces should be made available to help reduce stress for anxious students. For some students, receiving vaccines through their primary care provider or at a WDG Public Health office location may be a more suitable option.
What space is required for clinic day?
The library/gym or another large open space that accommodates multiple large tables and a seating area for students is preferred. A private space is also needed for students that requires more privacy. Your school’s public health nurse will be in touch prior to the scheduled clinic date with a list of specific requirements.
What support is available for ESL families?
The information letter is available in multiple languages. Telephone interpretation services can also be provided. If further support is needed, please call WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
What if families don’t have online access/cannot complete the online consent form?
Paper consent forms are available in limited supply. Requests for paper consent forms for specific families can be made to your school’s assigned public health nurse.
Where can we direct families who need help completing the online consent form?
Families who require assistance completing the online consent form should be directed to call WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
What if a family wants to make changes to their child’s consent form?
Families must submit a new online consent form for any changes they would like to make to previous submissions.
What if a family has questions about vaccines being offered in school?
General information regarding the Grade 7 immunization program is available at wdgpublichealth.ca/immunizeGr7. Families can also contact WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 to speak directly to a public health nurse.
Should families still fill out a consent form even if they are not getting the vaccine or have already had the vaccine?
Yes, it is important for Public Health to know each student’s plan for vaccination. Parents/guardians should still complete an online consent form even if their child is not going to receive vaccines or has already had the vaccine(s).