Niagara Region Public Health helps families prepare for a healthy school year

September 3, 2026

As students and families prepare for the new school year, Niagara Region Public Health is sharing practical tips to support a safe, healthy and successful return to the classroom.

Get that back-to-school smile ready:

Brush, brush, brush! Help children brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to help prevent cavities.
Get a free dental screening. Screenings with a registered dental hygienist are offered in schools for elementary and secondary school students to identify concerns and support families in accessing follow-up care when needed.

Keep germs from coming to class:

Make hand hygiene a habit. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often. Learn how to properly wash your hands.
Give illness a time-out. Remind kids to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their sleeve and keep them home when they are sick. Employers can help by supporting staff to stay home when children are unwell.

Access and report your child’s immunization record:

Help keep your child healthy by making sure their immunizations are up to date.
Check your child’s record.
Use Immunization Connect (ICON) to view and update your child’s immunization record. A step-by-step video tutorial is available.
Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act asks families to have an up-to-date immunization record, or a valid exemption, on file with Public Health for children under 18 who attend school. You can learn more about school vaccine requirements or how to submit an exemption.

Support healthy vision for learning:

Eye health matters at every age. About 80 per cent of learning is visual, supporting healthy vision can help students get the most out of their school day.
Book an eye exam with your optometrist. Children and youth are eligible for an annual eye exam with an Ontario health card.

Connect with school health services:

School nurses are a connection to Public Health for secondary schools and support a range of health topics, while also providing one-on-one support to students in grades 9 to 12.
Elementary schools are provided with Public Health resources for students, staff and parents.

More Information:

Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services wishes everyone a healthy and safe return to school.

Media contact

Sarah Fisher
Communications Advisor
Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services
sarah.fisher@niagararegion.ca