Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) says those who haven’t yet provided public school student immunization records can expect a phone call.
In January, public health officials sent letters to parents and legal guardians of students with incomplete records.
At the time, they were waiting for 5,100 records. That number has now dropped to 2,900.
“These students are either missing immunizations required for school attendance, their immunizations have not been reported to public health, or they do not have a valid exemption on file,” HPPH said in a news release.
“Students with incomplete immunization records may be suspended from school under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).”
Those who haven’t yet submitted information will get a call from a public health nurse. To avoid that:
- If the child is up to date on their immunizations, report that information to HPPH either online at www.hpph.ca/icon or by calling 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558
- If the child is not up to date on their immunizations, book an appointment with your primary care provider and/or HPPH by calling 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558.
In April, suspension notices will be mailed out to all students who have not provided proof of up-to-date immunizations or a valid exemption.
Those school suspensions will begin on May 23.
Huron Perth Public Health notes that the increase in measles activity globally, and recent cases in Ontario, is a reminder of how important it is to stay up to date with immunizations. The list of ISPA required immunizations includes immunization against measles. The higher the number of vaccinated students, the more protection all students have from potentially serious diseases, HPPH said.
