AHS Routine School Immunization Program (non-COVID)

February 28, 2022 

Hello parents, guardians and caregivers: 

Re: School Immunization Program (non-COVID) within Alberta Health Services (AHS) South Zone. 

AHS school routine immunization (non-COVID) reminder phone calls and texts are sent as needed to alert parents, guardians and caregivers about returning consents for in-person school immunizations, or to alert caregivers about immunization eligibility. These reminders may also be sent to alert families about immunization clinic options as part of the catch-up program for routine school immunizations  (non-COVID). 

Recently, reminder phone calls and texts were sent to families. Children who attended a school catch up clinic in July, August or September 2021, if it has been six calendar months since the child’s first dose of Hepatitis B or Human Papillomavirus vaccine, you may now book for a second dose to complete the series. 

Please note that school catch up clinics are not replacing in-school routine immunization clinics (non-COVID). These clinics provide another option for families to ensure their child’s immunizations are up to date. 

Parents, guardians and caregivers, there are a few ways to obtain routine school immunizations  (non-COVID) for your child: 

• Sign and return the immunization consent form to your child’s school as soon as possible if you would like your child immunized in the school setting. If there is one or more vaccines you do not wish your child to receive, write REFUSED across the vaccine(s) you do not want and return  (including unsigned) consent form(s) to the school. 
• You may also provide verbal telephone consent to a school Public Health Nurse by calling your local Community Health office. 
• Call to book an appointment for the School Catch-up Immunization clinics located in Lethbridge at the Exhibition West Pavilion, Medicine Hat at Higdon Hall and Brooks at Kinsmen Hall in  March and April.  
• • Book an appointment at a local Community Health Office. 

All appointments can be made by calling our AHS call centre at 1-888-635-0318. 

If you are unsure if a child is due for school routine (non-COVID) immunizations, please ask to speak to a Registered Nurse when calling to book. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local Community Health Office. To find your Community Health Office, visit: Find Healthcare - Search (albertahealthservices.ca) 

If you have questions about school routine immunizations please visit immunizealberta.ca. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Allison Gonsalves, MD, FRCPC 
Medical Officer of Health 
Alberta Health Services, South Zone

View the full letter from AHS here - PDF