More than 1,350 elementary school students in Waterloo Region were suspended on May 7, 2026, after failing to provide proof of required vaccinations or a valid exemption. The Region of Waterloo Public Health took this action to enforce the provincial Immunization of School Pupils Act, which mandates that students be protected against diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox).
The suspensions follow a months-long notification process that began in January 2026. Public Health initially contacted 9,234 families regarding incomplete records, eventually mailing formal suspension orders to 7,065 households in March 2026. Parents were given until May 4, 2026, to update their child’s records or file an exemption before the suspensions took effect.
According to local officials, these numbers are consistent with historical patterns in the region. Earlier this year, on April 9, 2026, the region also suspended 704 high school students for similar issues with their immunization records. Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo, stated that vaccines help protect children from serious illness and that keeping records up to date is vital for community health.
Students currently affected by the suspension can return to class as soon as their records are updated or a valid exemption is on file. Parents can fulfill this requirement by reporting vaccinations to Public Health, booking appointments for missing doses, or submitting a valid medical or non-medical exemption. Vaccinations are available through family health care providers or via appointments with Public Health.
