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.