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As parents or legal guardians, we often have to make daunting decisions about the health of our children. And because some of these decisions can have a very serious impact, we often seek information from family, friends, health practitioners and educators to help us make the right decision . Sometimes however, confusion quickly sets in at which point we may further our search to the internet, the library, the journals and the magazines in hopes of finding the ultimate source that no one can object to.One such decision we are quickly introduced to as new parents has to do with whether or not we immunize our children. We’re faced with this decision when our children are very young. For many, this is considered the most important decision, for others it is a very controversial one. Moreover, because of the long-standing research and general acceptability of immunizations some parents feel the decision is one made with ease.All immunizations have potential side effects though. This doesn’t necessarily mean each child will react to immunization. Most children experience minor to no side effect. There are however, documented cases of children who have become very sick as a result of the immunizations and this is where the decision becomes complex and more difficult for some parents. Immunizations were initiated to eliminate childhood diseases such as measles, diphtheria, rubella, polio, influenzae, tetanus, mumps, hepatitis B and whooping cough. Immunizations occur at 2-, 4-, 6-, 12-, 18 months, 4-6 years, with boosters at 14 to 16 years. There are two new immunizations for teenagers: Hepatitis and meningitis, both given in high school. In the last little while, the government has actively pursued high school students with a goal to immunize them against hepatitis and meningitis. A team of nurses is sent to the high schools to immunize the students. Unfortunately, it has recently come to light that some nurses have misled and even threatened students with suspension should they chose not to be immunized. Nurses are telling students immunizations are mandatory and have demanded students to write their names on a consent form – all this without the consent of the student’s parents. Some students requested information on the side effects of the immunization only to be told by some nurses that there is nothing for them to be concerned about. When students brought to the nurses’ attention the fact that their parents did not consent to their immunization, the nurses stated that the students did not require parental consent. In light of these recent and very serious events, I decided to write the facts about immunizations:1. Immunizations for children (under the age of 18 years) require the parents’ or legal guardian’s consent. This includes immunizations for teenagers.2. Immunizations are mandatory except for hepatitis and meningitis, however, there are exceptions for the mandatory immunizations (see bottom for exert from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health web sites).  3. A parent can refuse to immunize their child without jeopardizing their education. A child cannot be suspended from school for not being immunized. The only time a child can be requested to not attend school is when there is an active outbreak of disease for which the child has not been immunized (see exert from the Ministry of Education web site and the Ministry of Health web site). 4. Immunizations have potential side-effects and are controversially linked to disorders and syndromes including autism.The following is an exert from the Ministry of Health:“Is immunization required for attendance at school or day care in Ontario?For children attending school in Ontario, a written immunization record or proof of immunization is required, by law, for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella unless there is a valid written exemption. Parents/guardians are required to provide this information to their local public health unit, and to update the information as necessary. There are specific vaccines required for children attending licensed daycare centers. You should contact your local public health unit or check with your daycare centre, for the specific immunization requirements.You may decide because of medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. In this case, you will need to provide a valid written exemption to your local public health unit. If the disease appears in your child’s school or daycare, your child may have to stay out of school/daycare until the disease is no longer present.” If you would like to immunize your child check with your family physician and ask what the side effects are or surf the internet. If you choose not to have your child immunized, a written document from you as a parent or legal guardian should state that you do not consent to having your child immunized because…(state your reasons which do not have to be scientifically based. They can be a philosophical choice or a religious- or medical-based decision.) Submit this to the principal, to the school board and the health unit. This is all that’s required in the document.http://www.healthyontario.com/Page339.aspxhttp://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/links.html