Have you been vaccinated? Ontario toughens vaccine rules for students

TORONTO – Ontario is toughening up vaccine requirements for students.

All students going back to school this fall must have proof they’ve been vaccinated against two additional conditions – meningococcal disease and whooping cough.

Those born after 2010 must also prove they’ve been immunized against chickenpox.

Read More: Jenny McCarthy backtracking on anti-vaccination, but is it too late?

That’s on top of existing requirements for tetanus, diphteria, polio and mumps immunization, which are all publicly funded.

The government says it will help prevent the spread of preventable diseases in schools and communities.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says these vaccines are perfectly safe and protect kids and those who come into contact with them from potentially deadly diseases.