The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has begun its annual review of student immunization records, as required under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act.
The health unit says the review applies to all students attending school in Renfrew County and District and is intended to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date to help protect children and the broader community from serious illnesses.
Under the legislation, students must be immunized against nine vaccine-preventable diseases — tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease and varicella for those born after Jan. 1, 2010 — or have a valid exemption on file.
As part of the process, notices are being sent to families of students missing required vaccines or whose records have not been reported to the health unit. Students have until Feb. 12, 2026, to update their immunization status with RCDHU.
In a recent press release, the RCDHU suggests the following:
• Review the child’s immunization record and the information on the notice
• Contact your health care provider to get updated on any missing immunizations
• Submit any missing vaccinations to RCDHU through one of the following methods:
o The secure online tool ICON: Immunization Connect Ontario Tool
o Email: immunization@rcdhu.com
o Fax: 613-735-3067
o Phone: 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004
If you do not have a health care provider, please visit RCDHU’s main Immunization page. There, you will find the Online Booking Link to reserve your appointment for
School Immunization Catch-Up Clinics at various locations throughout Renfrew County and district. Please note that RCDHU is also offering immunizations in school for all high
school students from grade 9 to 12.
(Richard Evans)
