Lambton Public Health is encouraging parents to update their children's vaccination information ahead of time.
Public Relations Coordinator Shaun Bisson said they will be resuming suspensions in the school year for those with out-of-date records. However, a suspension date or deadline has not been set at this time.
"We are working with school boards, schools and parents to make sure they have advanced notification and support needed to get those immunizations updated and reported to public health ahead of any deadline," said Bisson. "That being said, there is no deadline set at this moment. We are working towards the 2023-2024 school year and working in consultation with the school boards locally to set what that process is going to look like."
Bisson said parents can update immunization records online at www.getthevaccine.ca, by phone, or in person at the Exmouth Street health unit. Bisson said records include immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps, rubella, measles, meningitis, whooping cough and chickenpox.
"There are two scenarios in which an exemption could be granted," said Bisson. "For medical reasons, in which case you would fill out a statement of medical exemption form that has been signed by a physician or nurse practitioner and submit it to the health unit. And then there is the conscience or religious belief exemption, and more details on both of those are available through the LPH website."
LPH is holding several catch-up clinics this summer for children who still require some of their shots.
"We have four here at the Lambton Public Health Point Edward location as well as a clinic on August 16 in Wyoming," said Bisson. "People can go online at www.getthevaccine.ca, book through there and get caught up on the required and recommended vaccines."
The first clinic is on Tuesday, July 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
