Back to School Health Checklist: Vaccinations and Medications for Waterloo Families

With September approaching, Waterloo and Kitchener families are getting ready for a new school year. Amid the new backpacks and supply lists, it's easy to overlook one of the most important back-to-school tasks: making sure your children are up to date on vaccinations.

Vaccination Checklist for School-Age Children

Ontario has a publicly funded immunization schedule for children. Before school starts, confirm your child is up to date on:

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — two doses required for school attendance in Ontario
• Varicella (chickenpox) — one or two doses depending on age
• Hepatitis B — typically given in Grade 7
• Meningococcal vaccine — typically given in Grade 7
• HPV vaccine — typically given in Grade 7

Flu Shot — Get It Early

The flu spreads quickly in schools, and one sick child often means a sick household. The flu vaccine is free for all Ontarians and is available at The Boardwalk Pharmacy with no appointment needed.

For Parents: Update Your Own Vaccines Too

• Tdap or Td booster (every 10 years)
• Annual flu vaccine
• COVID-19 boosters as recommended
• Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) if you're 50 or older

Walk in for flu shots anytime. Call (519) 578-3000 for vaccine availability. Learn more about our flu shot service.