Immunization Exemptions

In Ontario, children attending school or licensed child care must either be up to date with their immunizations or have an exemption on file with public health. This page explains what immunization exemptions are, how to apply for one, and what it means for your family. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

What is an immunization exemption?

An immunization exemption allows your child to attend school or licensed child care without specific vaccines. These exemptions are legal documents and must be completed accurately and submitted to your local public health unit.

There are four types of exemptions:

• Medical exemption for child care: For children who cannot be immunized due to medical reasons.

• Medical exemption for school pupils: For children in school with medical reasons preventing immunization.

• Non-medical exemption for child care: For families with religious or personal beliefs against immunization.

• Non-medical exemption for school pupils: For families with religious or personal beliefs against immunization.

How do you get an exemption?

For medical exemptions:

• Download the appropriate form from the Ministry of Health.
  • For child care settings: Statement of Medical Exemption - Child Care  
  • For schools: Statement of Medical Exemption - School Pupils 

• Have the form completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

• Submit the signed form to us.

For non-medical exemptions:

Download the appropriate form from the Ministry of Health.

• • For child care settings: Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Exemption - Child Care  
  • For schools: Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Exemption - School Pupils 

• Complete the form and have it notarized by a commissioner for taking affidavits.

• Submit the notarized form to us.

For non-medical exemptions (school pupils):

1. Watch the Vaccine Education Video: The Ministry of Health provides an educational video explaining the importance of vaccines.

• If you have questions about the video, call 1-800-922-0096 to speak with a nurse from the Vaccine Preventable Diseases team.

2. Complete the appropriate form from the above options.

3. Have the form signed and witnessed: You’ll need to visit a commissioner for taking affidavits or another official authorized to witness signatures.

4. Submit the completed form in person:

• St. Thomas office: 1230 Talbot Street (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

• Woodstock office: 410 Buller Street (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

• You’ll receive a vaccine education certificate if applicable

What are the risks and responsibilities?

If your child is not fully immunized, it’s important to understand:

• Health risks: Your child may be vulnerable to serious illnesses like measles, mumps, or whooping cough.

• Outbreak precautions: During an outbreak, children without required immunizations may need to stay home until it’s safe to return.

It’s never too late to vaccinate. If you change your mind, contact us to update your child’s records.

What to do next

• Have questions? Call 1-800-922-0096 to talk to a public health nurse.

• Ready to submit? Visit our nearest office with your completed forms:

• St. Thomas: 1230 Talbot Street

• Woodstock: 410 Buller Street

• Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.