Submitting Vaccine Records - Allow 24 hours before a student`s record is updated:
Please allow 24 hours for a student`s record to be updated after any vaccine information is submitted to TBDHU.
This includes any vaccine information information submitted today (March 24) before the start of the Thunder Bay high school suspension period on March 25.
NEW PHOTO OPTION FOR REPORTING IMMUNIZATIONS: Photos of immunization (vaccine) records can now be reported to TBDHU by uploading to a safe and secure TBDHU website. See below under "Reporting an Immunization Record" for more information.
An immunization record keeps track of all vaccines received and my be required for school, work, medical treatment, or travel.
Keep this record ("yellow card") up to date and safe.
A digital alternative is also available; see below under both the reporting and obtaining tabs for more information on this digital alternative called Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON).
Reporting Immunizations
In Ontario, health care providers do no automatically report immunizations to their local public health unit.
However, if a vaccine is given by the local public health unit, these immunizations are attached to the person's record on file with the local public health unit.
See the "Reporting an Immunization Record" tab below for all the options available.
Children
Parents and/or guardians are responsible for reporting their child’s immunizations to the local public health unit so an up to date record is on file for the student.
Public health units in Ontario are required to keep up-to-date immunization records for every student in relation to nine designated diseases as outlined in the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
Public health units will review immunization records of all elementary and secondary students annually to ensure they are up-to-date. Reporting immunizations to the health unit allows for timely review and action if there is a report of a vaccine preventable disease in a school.
Adults
Adults have the choice of whether or not to submit records of vaccines given by community health care providers.
There are several options available to report a record to TBDHU.
Take a picture of the record and upload it to a safe and secure website that allows TBDHU staff access to this important information that will then be added to the person's record.
Printed and picked up at your nearest TBDHU office
Please call your local TBDHU branch office or the toll-free TBDHU number at 1-888-294-6630 to speak with a nurse or leave a message indicating which option you would prefer. Please note that records cannot be emailed.
Immunize Canada offers the following tips for locating Old Immunization Records
Previous healthcare providers – Consider immunizations given by your family provider, public health (like the TBDHU), urgent care clinics, or hospital emergency department visits.
At home – look through your old papers, including baby books and school or camp forms. If you’re an adult, don’t forget to ask your parent or guardian if they still have your childhood records.
Colleges, universities or other post-secondary institutions – Contact the health centre at any post-secondary institutions attended.
Previous employers – Contact previous employers, including the military.
If you don’t find any immunization records you may have to repeat some vaccines. It may be time consuming but it's not harmful and will ensure you are protected. Talk to your health care provider or a nurse at the TBDHU with any questions.
For Further Information
Call the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at (807) 625-5900
