The immunization team at Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is working to reduce the number of incomplete immunization records.
Nearly 2,900 records remain incomplete, down from the initial 5,100 reported earlier this year.
Public health is urging parents to take action, pointing out students are either missing the immunizations required for school attendance, their immunizations have not been reported to public health, or they do not have a valid exemption on file.
Students with incomplete immunization records may be suspended from school under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which requires elementary and secondary school students to be immunized against specific diseases to attend school to protect the health of children against these preventable diseases.
The list of ISPA required immunizations includes immunization against measles. According to public health, the increase in measles activity globally, and recent cases in Ontario, shows the importance of staying up to date with immunizations. The immunization team stresses that the higher the number of vaccinated students, the more protection all students have from potentially serious diseases.
In January, HPPH sent letters to parents/legal guardians of students whose immunization records were incomplete. Parents who have not yet responded to this first notice will now receive a phone call from a public health nurse.
Public health plans to mail suspension notices in April to students who have not provided proof of up-to-date immunizations or a valid exemption. School suspensions will begin on May 23, 2024.
"Parents must provide proof of their child’s immunizations, or a valid exemption, to public health. Public health and healthcare providers do not share the same system for documenting immunizations, so it is important to let HPPH know if your child has received an immunization at their primary care provider’s office," according to public health.
If your child is up to date on their immunizations, go to www.hpph.ca/icon to report the required information online, or call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558.
If your child is not up to date on their vaccinations, contact your healthcare provider. HPPH is also holding immunization clinics to get students caught up. You can book an appointment online at www.hpph.ca/catchup or call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558. Parents are encouraged to book early as appointments are limited.
