School Responsibilities for Grade 7 Immunization Clinics
Public Health offers meningococcal, hepatitis B, and HPV vaccines to Grade 7 students each school year through school-based clinics.
Information for parents and caregivers (including clinic dates and consent details) is available at the Grade 7 Immunization Program page.
Catch-up clinics may also be scheduled in secondary schools for students who receive a letter from Public Health indicating their vaccinations are not up to date.
Responsibilities of school administrators and principals
WDG Public Health will email schools a letter for parents and caregivers that includes a link to the online Grade 7 Immunization Consent Form.
Schools are asked to:
- Send this letter to parents within the first two weeks of the school year
- Send the letter again two weeks before the scheduled school clinic
For the clinic to be successful, schools are asked to help ensure the clinic environment is safe for students, staff and WDG Public Health staff by providing the following:
- Book the clinic in the gym or library, and close the space to other activities while Public Health is onsite
- Provide snacks and drinks, if available, through the school’s nutrition program
- Allow students to use personal devices during the clinic for distraction purposes
- Allow parent or peer support, if requested by a student
- Provide adult-sized chairs and tables
- Stock the clinic space with a large garbage can
- Provide printed or emailed class lists for students in Grades 7 and 8, including full name and date of birth
Questions or concerns can be directed to 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
Role of teachers
Teachers also play a role in supporting a successful vaccination clinic.
Teachers are asked to:
- Support students in preparing for upcoming vaccinations, including learning how vaccines work in the body
- Send reminders to parents to complete the online consent form as soon as possible
- If parents need support completing the online consent form, advise them to call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006
- If parents are unable to use the online consent form, advise them that a paper consent form can be requested by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006
More information
Schools should share the online Grade 7 Immunization Consent Form with:
- All current Grade 7 students
- Grade 8 students who have not yet received their Grade 7 vaccines and wish to receive them at a school clinic
Parents, guardians, or students can access the consent form by:
- Visiting wdgpublichealth.ca/immunizeGr7
- Contacting the school office
- Calling WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006
All students should provide a completed consent to let the nurse know if the child will be receiving the vaccines or not.
There are several strategies available to support students who may feel nervous or anxious about vaccinations.
Before the clinic:
- Families can review Improving the vaccination experience for your child on our website
- Families can review the CARD system checklist
On clinic day:
- Schools should provide private spaces for students who require additional privacy
For some students, receiving vaccines through their primary care provider or at a WDG Public Health office location may be a more suitable option
The library, gym or another large open space that can accommodate multiple large tables and a seating area for students is preferred.
A private space is also required for students who need additional privacy.
The school’s assigned public health nurse will be in touch before the scheduled clinic date with a list of specific space and setup requirements.
- The information letter is available in multiple languages.
- Telephone interpretation services can be provided.
- Paper consent forms are available in limited supply and can be requested through the school’s assigned public health nurse.
- Families must submit a new online consent form to make changes to a previously submitted form.
- Families with questions about vaccines or consent can call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 to speak with a public health nurse.
WDG Public Health is responsible for planning and delivering Grade 7 immunization clinics.
Public Health will:
- Schedule school clinic dates in coordination with school boards and schools
- Share a parent and caregiver information letter and the link to the online consent form with schools
- Review and manage submitted consent forms
- Contact schools in advance with clinic-specific setup requirements
- Provide trained public health nurses to deliver vaccines
- Supply all vaccines, medical equipment and infection prevention supplies
- Be available to answer questions from families, students, and school staff
- Provide language interpretation support, when needed
- Update vaccination records and follow up as required
