Overview of Vaccination Clinics

Starting October 1, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is launching school-based clinics to administer three vital vaccines to Grade 7 students: the hepatitis B vaccine, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men-C-ACYW), and the human papillomavirus (HPV-9) vaccine.

Details of the Clinics

These immunization clinics, conducted in collaboration with local school boards, will take place in elementary schools across Simcoe and Muskoka from October to December. Parents should be on the lookout for information that will be sent home with their children prior to these clinics. For those who missed their vaccinations during this round, a catch-up opportunity will be available in Grade 8, with additional rounds scheduled for April to June 2025.

Importance of Vaccination

Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU’s associate medical officer of health, emphasized the importance of these vaccines: 'Students in Grade 7 are offered three important vaccines that protect them from serious diseases. The HPV-9 vaccine, for instance, is crucial as it significantly reduces the risk of several cancer types, including throat and cervical cancer, while also preventing genital warts. Some parents might think it’s too early for their children to receive STI protection, but early vaccination drastically increases the chance of effective protection before sexual activity begins.'

Community Health Benefits

Moreover, keeping immunizations current is vital. Updated vaccines not only safeguard individual health but also serve to protect entire school communities by reducing the risk of outbreaks. The health unit also wishes to remind parents that meningococcal disease is among those specified under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which mandates vaccination for school attendance unless an exemption applies. Although hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are not legally required under ISPA, their administration is highly encouraged.

Parental Guidance and Resources

Parents and caregivers are strongly advised to ensure their children are immunized in accordance with Ontario's publicly funded immunization schedule to provide the best protection against preventable diseases.

Further Information and Contact

For further details on the Grade 7 vaccinations and their associated diseases, the SMDHU website offers comprehensive resources at smdhu.org/Grade7. Additionally, for direct inquiries, parents are welcome to contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call to Action

Don’t delay in getting your child vaccinated! The health and safety of your child and the community depend on it!