In a decisive move to safeguard public health, Toronto Public Health has announced plans to enforce vaccination requirements for students when schools reopen this September. The decision marks the return of pre-pandemic enforcement measures that could see thousands of unvaccinated students facing suspension notices unless their immunization records are updated.
The vaccination enforcement initiative, which had been temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to ensure that students are protected against nine preventable diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. According to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, this represents a critical return to normal public health operations.
“Ensuring our children are vaccinated against preventable diseases is fundamental to community health,” Dr. de Villa explained during yesterday’s announcement. “These measures aren’t new—they’re simply a return to our standard practices that were temporarily suspended during the pandemic response.”
Data from Toronto Public Health reveals concerning gaps in vaccination coverage that emerged during the pandemic years. Approximately 10-15% of school-aged children are currently behind on their routine immunizations, representing nearly 30,000 students across the city. This decline in vaccination rates has raised alarms among public health officials who warn about the potential for outbreaks of previously well-controlled diseases.
The enforcement process will begin with notification letters sent to families with incomplete vaccination records in early September. Parents will have a 30-day grace period to either update their child’s vaccinations or file a valid exemption before suspension notices are issued.
“This isn’t about punishing families,” emphasized Sarah Wilson, Immunization Program Manager at Toronto Public Health. “It’s about protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining the community immunity that keeps everyone safe. We’re providing multiple opportunities for families to comply before any suspensions would take effect.”
The city has prepared for the anticipated increase in vaccination demands by expanding clinic hours at community health centers and establishing additional temporary vaccination sites at selected schools. Free immunization clinics will operate throughout September and October, with extended evening and weekend hours to accommodate working families.
Some parent advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the timing of the enforcement, suggesting that families need more runway to prepare. Jennifer Rossi, spokesperson for the Toronto Parent Network, noted: “While we support vaccination efforts, many families are still recovering from pandemic disruptions. Additional time and resources would help ensure everyone can comply without educational disruptions.”
Medical exemptions will continue to be honored for children with legitimate health contraindications, though officials note these represent a small fraction of unvaccinated students. Philosophical or religious exemption requests require completion of an education session and notarized documentation.
The return to enforcement comes amid worrying global trends. The World Health Organization reported a 79% increase in measles cases worldwide in 2024 compared to the previous year. Toronto itself documented several isolated measles cases this summer, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by vaccine-preventable diseases.
City Councillor Joe Cressy, Chair of the Toronto Board of Health, defended the timing of the enforcement: “We’ve provided extensive notice and resources. Public health isn’t something we can postpone indefinitely—the risks of further delay outweigh the temporary inconvenience of catching up on missed vaccinations.”
As September approaches, the question remains: will Toronto’s vaccination rates quickly recover to pre-pandemic levels, or will we witness significant educational disruption as thousands of students potentially face suspension? The answer may shape public health policy across Canada for years to come.
