School Immunization Clinics (information for school administrators)

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

*New process for Grade 7 consent forms for 2022-23 school year: WDGPH will providing electronic consent forms instead of paper consent forms. We will provide you with an email to send to parents/guardians of all Grade 7 students in your school; in that email there will be a link to the online vaccine consent form. Please send the email in the first week of school and again, as a reminder, two weeks prior to your 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 WDGPH staff by following the most current COVID-19 guidelines. These clinics are considered health care clinics; a mask is required during the clinic and will be provided to the students.  As such, we ask that you please make the following provisions:

  • Book the clinic in the gym or library and ensure the clinic space is closed for all other activities while WDGPH 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

Frequently Asked Questions for School Staff about the Grade 7 Immunization Program

 

Which students should receive the online consent form?

All current grade 7 students should be provided with the link to the online consent form. Grade 8 students who have not previously completed a paper consent can request access to the online consent form by contacting their school office administrator or calling WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006. Grade 8 students who previously completed a paper consent form do not need to complete a new online consent unless they are making changes to their previous consent status. The online consent form should not be distributed to students in other grade cohorts.

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 the “What can I do to help my child who is anxious or fearful of needles?” section within the following link: https://wdgpublichealth.ca/clinics-classes/2022-23-grade-7-school-immunization-clinics. 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, where a family member can accompany them, may be a more suitable option.

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).

What if a family has questions about vaccines being offered in school?

General information regarding the Grade 7 immunization program is available at https://www.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.

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.

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 families don’t have online access/cannot complete the online consent form?

Paper consents are available in limited supply. Requests for paper consent forms for specific families can be made to your school’s assigned Public Health Nurse.

What supports are 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 space is required for clinic day?

A gymnasium, or large open space that accommodates multiple large tables and a seating area for students is preferred. A private space is also needed. Your school’s Public Health Nurse will be in touch prior to the scheduled clinic date with a list of specific requirements.