Peel Public Health strengthens immunization program, focusing on equity

BRAMPTON, ON (October 27, 2025) - After years of COVID-19 disruptions and amid rising global outbreaks, Peel Public Health has focused its immunization program on a clear goal: make immunization accessible and equitable for every resident by closing service gaps.

"Protection against diseases should not depend on where you live, the language you speak or your work schedule," said Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Board of Health, and Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Peel Region. "Health is the foundation of a thriving community. When each of us has access to the vaccines we need, our entire community benefits."

Peel Public Health has restored all school vaccination programs, expanded community clinics, and supported families in navigating complex immunization requirements. With support from Regional Council, Peel has:

• Over 54,000 children vaccinated through routine school immunization screenings.
• Over 730 vaccine clinics delivered across schools, community hubs, and mobile sites to expand access.
• Over 744,000 vaccine doses distributed to 600 local healthcare providers.
• Over 181,000 vaccine doses supplied directly to Peel Public Health clinics.
• New evening and weekend clinics launched to support working families.
• More newcomer families reached through partnerships with settlement agencies and community groups.
• Call centre wait times cut by 34%, helping families get vaccine information faster.

Peel's immunization program includes services such as multilingual communications, translation help with records, and partnerships with trusted community organizations.

The unit is expanding school-based immunization screening from two cohorts to nine cohorts in the 2025–2026 school year, inclusive of students from Grades 2 to 6 and 9 to 12.

"We're approaching our immunization work with a renewed sense of urgency and inclusion," said Dr. Monica Hau, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region. "Health starts with prevention, and vaccines are one of our most effective tools. Our team is working tirelessly to close gaps by finding practical, creative solutions that meet residents' needs."

This progress would not have been possible without the ongoing support and investment of Peel Regional Council, whose commitment to prevention and community health has helped rebuild and strengthen Peel's immunization system.

Resources

• Peel Regional Council report: Strengthening Immunization Services - Gaps and Gains
• Peel Regional Council report: Using Data to Advance Understanding of Health Inequities in Peel
• Peel Health Data Zone Information Tool