The Huron County Health Unit warns that about 150 students in the county face suspension from school due to incomplete immunization records.
Those students and families should have received a notice in the mail from the health unit about the possible suspension.
Public Health Manager Christina Taylor says she understands parents are busy, but says just one phone call could resolve the issue.
Families need to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption for their child by May 30. Otherwise the child would be suspended for 20 school days.
It is the parents' responsibility to share immunization record with the health unit as health care providers do not automatically share that information.
If your family has received a suspension notice, contact the health unit at 1.877.837.6143.
“Immunizations are a key part of public health,” says Taylor. “Ensuring students are immunized keeps our schools and communities safe and healthy.”
The health unit annually reviews immunization records for students attending school. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) Ontario students are required to be vaccinated against several infectious diseases in order to attend school.
Ontario students must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are added to the list for students born in 2010 or later.
