New Brunswick's Student Vaccination Rules

In New Brunswick, children entering school for the first time must provide proof of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the Public Health Act. Each year, Public Health nurses assess the immunization records of children entering schools to ensure schools have proof of immunization for each student and to give parents the opportunity to update their child's vaccinations. The Act allows parents or legal guardians to refuse immunization for medical reasons or objections, with an exemption form available at schools or on the government website. While vaccination for students 12 and older is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory. However, the province's back-to-school plan does include a vaccine mandate for teachers and school staff, requiring them to be vaccinated or undergo regular testing.

New Brunswick requires proof of immunization for school-aged children

According to the Public Health Act, children entering school for the first time in New Brunswick must provide proof of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases. This includes vaccines for:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Polio
• Haemophilus influenzae type B
• Pneumococcal disease
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Meningococcal disease

Each year, Public Health nurses assess the immunization records of children entering schools to ensure schools have up-to-date proof of immunization for every student. This annual review also provides parents or legal guardians with an opportunity to bring their child's immunizations up to date.

The Act allows parents or legal guardians to refuse immunization for valid medical reasons or objections. In such cases, an exemption form must be submitted, which can be obtained from the schools or the provincial government website.

In addition to the routine immunization requirements, the New Brunswick back-to-school plan also includes pandemic measures such as mask mandates and mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or regular testing for school staff. These measures aim to protect unvaccinated children and minimize the spread of the virus.

Parents can refuse immunization for medical reasons or objections

In New Brunswick, parents or legal guardians can refuse immunization for their children for medical reasons or objections. The exemption form is available at schools or on the provincial Public Health website. This form is also available through the daycare.

The Public Health Act allows parents or legal guardians to refuse immunization for their children for medical reasons or objections. This is in accordance with the Routine Immunization Schedule (New Brunswick). The exemption form is readily available for parents and legal guardians.

Each year, Public Health nurses assess the immunization records of children entering schools for the first time. This is to ensure that schools have proof of immunization for each student and to give parents or legal guardians the opportunity to bring their child's immunizations up to date.

Based on the Routine Immunization Schedule (New Brunswick), the record should show that the child has been immunized against Meningococcal disease.

Immunization is crucial to protect school-aged children from the risks of complications from diseases that can be prevented. Vaccines have made childhood diseases rare, and some have almost disappeared. However, neglecting immunization could lead to the re-emergence of these diseases, posing a threat to both children and adults.

COVID-19 vaccination is required for school staff or regular testing

In New Brunswick, COVID-19 vaccination is required for school staff, or they must undergo regular testing. This mandate was announced by the province's Education Minister, Dominic Cardy, as part of the back-to-school plan in 2021. The plan aimed to balance safety and students' educational experience, especially for unvaccinated children.

The vaccination mandate for school staff was implemented to reduce the risk of new COVID-19 variants emerging and causing further disruptions and dangers to the community. Mr. Cardy emphasised that new variants arise from unvaccinated individuals, and the more people who choose not to get vaccinated, the higher the risk of infection and the emergence of lethal variants.

Staff members who opt not to get vaccinated will be subject to regular testing and will be required to wear masks at all times. The details of the testing procedures are yet to be specified. Additionally, they must adhere to other safety measures, such as frequent hand washing, use of outdoor spaces, and frequent cleaning of the school buildings.

The back-to-school plan also includes mask mandates for students in kindergarten to Grade 8 in indoor common areas and on school buses. High school students are required to wear masks during assemblies and in common areas until 90% of students in their health zones are vaccinated.

Furthermore, the plan outlines that if a single case of COVID-19 is identified in a school, students will switch to remote learning, and the school building will be closed for a minimum of one day to facilitate contact tracing and risk assessment.

Students in kindergarten to Grade 8 must wear masks in indoor common areas

Sure! Here is some information about the mask mandate for students in New Brunswick:

As of September 2022, the provincial government of New Brunswick has implemented a mask mandate for students from kindergarten to Grade 8. This mandate states that students in this age group must wear masks in indoor common areas at school. This includes areas like hallways, lobbies, and other spaces where students from different classes or grades may mix. The goal of this mandate is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools and protect young students who are not yet eligible for vaccination.

The mask mandate for students in kindergarten to Grade 8 is a precautionary measure to create a safe environment for in-person learning. While vaccines are not mandatory for school attendance in New Brunswick, public health officials emphasize the importance of layering prevention strategies, including masking, to minimize the disruption to education. Students are expected to provide their own masks and are encouraged to wear well-fitting, comfortable masks that cover both the mouth and nose.

This mandate applies to all public schools in the province, including those in the French and English systems. It also includes any private schools that offer kindergarten to Grade 8 education. Students with valid medical exemptions from wearing masks are typically offered alternative options, such as face shields, to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.

It's important to note that this mandate may change or be updated based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations of public health officials. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking for updates from their child's school district and the provincial government. These sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding mask mandates and any other health and safety protocols in place in New Brunswick schools.

Students in Grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to wear masks in indoor common areas, although it is not mandatory. However, everyone, regardless of age or grade, must wear masks on school buses. Additional measures in place to protect students and staff include promoting proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.

In summary, students in New Brunswick attending kindergarten to Grade 8 must wear masks in indoor common areas as a precautionary health measure. This mandate aims to ensure the safety of students too young to be vaccinated and support uninterrupted in-person learning. Students are expected to provide their own masks and wear them properly, covering both the mouth and nose. This requirement is in place for all public and applicable private schools in the province. For the most current information, it is advised to refer to official channels for updates regarding mask mandates and other COVID-19 protocols in New Brunswick schools.

High-school students must be masked in assemblies and common areas until 90% of students in their health zones are vaccinated

In New Brunswick, children entering school for the first time must provide proof of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases. Public Health nurses assess the immunization records of children entering schools annually. This is to ensure schools have proof of immunization for each student and to give parents or legal guardians the opportunity to update their children's immunizations. The Act allows parents or legal guardians to refuse immunization for medical reasons or objections, and the exemption form can be obtained from schools or the government website.

According to the Public Health Act, children entering school for the first time in New Brunswick must demonstrate proof of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases such as meningococcal disease. Each year, Public Health nurses review the immunization records of children entering schools to ensure that schools have proof of immunization for all students and to give parents or legal guardians the chance to bring their children's immunizations up to date. The Act allows parents or legal guardians to refuse immunization on medical grounds or due to objections, and the exemption form can be obtained from the school or the government website.

High-school students in New Brunswick will return to full-time, in-person learning. They will be required to wear masks during assemblies and in common areas of school buildings until 90% of students in their health zones are vaccinated. This measure is intended to minimize disruptions and limit the spread of the virus until further vaccination is possible. Visitors at high schools will be limited, and all students will be required to disinfect their desks.

In addition to the masking requirements for high-school students, students of all ages will be required to wear masks on school buses. Schools will be subject to frequent cleaning, and fans will not be permitted in classrooms. If the outdoor temperature or humidex value exceeds 36°C, students will learn remotely from home.

New Brunswick's back-to-school plan also includes a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for teachers and school staff. Education Minister Dominic Cardy stated that this measure is necessary to keep unvaccinated children safe. Staff or teachers who choose not to get vaccinated will be regularly tested and must wear masks at all times.

Frequently asked questions