Vaccines and Immunization

Vaccines are one of the most effective protections against disease. Vaccines can also be called immunizations, needles or shots. Talk to your health care provider about what vaccines you or your family may need. Vaccines work best when people receive them at the appropriate ages. For more information review the Ontario vaccine schedule

Please note: Public Health Vaccine Clinics are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted at any locations.

A new Public Health Clinic recently opened at 20 Weber Street East in Kitchener. Double check the appointment location you have selected when booking an appointment.

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School vaccines

Did you receive an Immunization Notice from Public Health about your child’s vaccines? Learn what to do with this notice.

Children attending school (Kindergarten - Grade 12) must have proof of the required vaccinations or a valid exemption on record with Public Health. Your child can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at a  Grade 7 school clinic. Children attending school who are missing routine vaccines can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic if they meet the following criteria:

  • Received a letter (Immunization Notice) from Public Health
    AND
  • Have no OHIP card or no health care provider

Book a school vaccine appointment - Kitchener  Book a school vaccine appointment - Cambridge

Learn more about School Vaccination. 

Report your child's vaccinations  Vaccine exemptions 


Grade 7 school clinics

Public Health provides the Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines in schools for all Grade 7 students in Waterloo Region. Learn more about Grade 7 school clinics.

Grade 7 school clinics schedule (2024/2025) School clinic eligibility and consent


Infant and child care vaccines

Vaccines protect infants and children when they are most vulnerable to infection and disease. Infants and children aged 0-3 who do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic to receive routine vaccines.

Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Kitchener Book an age 0-3 vaccine appointment - Cambridge

Children attending licensed child care must either have proof of the required vaccinations, or a valid medical or non-medical exemption. Learn more about Child Care Vaccination. 

Report your child's vaccinations  Vaccine exemptions 


Vaccine records and reporting

Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child's vaccinations to Public Health. Make sure your child's vaccine records are up to date. You can learn more about how to view your child's vaccination record and how to report at Vaccine Reporting.
Report your child's vaccinations View your child's vaccination record


Respiratory illness vaccines

Respiratory season is typically between November and May every year. Stay up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to reduce your risk of respiratory illness and hospitalization. Some people may also be eligible for an RSV vaccine. 
COVID-19 vaccine Influenza (flu) vaccine RSV vaccine


Adult vaccinations

Although most vaccinations occur during childhood, we require booster shots in adulthood to maintain our defenses against some diseases. Visit the Government of Ontario's Adult Vaccination page to learn about what vaccines are recommended for adults and to determine if you are eligible for publicly funded vaccines.

Adults can get vaccinated by their health care provider or at a walk-in clinic. Adults who are eligible for a publicly funded vaccine but do not have an OHIP card or a health care provider can book an appointment at a Public Health Clinic.

Book an adult vaccine appointment - KitchenerBook an adult vaccine appointment - Cambridge


Vaccine exemptions

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) and Child Care and Early Years Act require a medical or non-medical exemption form to be submitted if your child is not vaccinated. Learn more and access the forms at School and Child Care Vaccination.

Medical exemption Non-medical exemption


Vaccine-preventable diseases

Learn about the diseases that can be prevented with safe vaccination at all ages. Sometimes you need more than one dose of a vaccine across many years, and it is important to follow the Ontario government's vaccination schedule. 
Hepatitis HPV Measles Meningitis Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Travel vaccines Vaccine schedule 


Vaccine resources

Contact Us

Public Health and Paramedic Services General Inquiries
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4V3

Phone: 519-575-4400
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TTY): 519-575-4608
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