LPH says vaccine suspension list shrinking

The number of students in Lambton County with outdated vaccination records continues to shrink.

Lambton Public Health (LPH) said as of March 13, there were only 38 elementary school students still under suspension, down from 390 on March 5.

Around 427 high school students still need to update their immunization records ahead of the March 26 suspension date.

These are encouraging numbers compared to just a couple of weeks ago.

As of February 27, 1,117 elementary aged students remained on the suspension list, and there were 640 high school students in the same situation.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to update their child’s immunization records using Immunize Connect Ontario (ICON).

They can also call LPH's Vaccine Call Centre at 226-254-8222 to report immunizations.

LPH said if a parent or guardian does not update their child’s immunization records, they can be suspended from school for up to 20 days and risk future suspension.

The health unit is encouraging all caregivers to keep the records up to date to help public health manage outbreaks through community immunity.

This prevents the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases and helps ensure safe and healthy environments for children in local schools.

Under the Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act, required records include immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps, rubella, measles, meningitis, whooping cough and chicken pox.