Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act
On March 29th, elementary students whose records are still not up-to-date will be suspended from school. It is not too late for parents to call Public Health to update their child’s record/immunization. During the fall of 2016, Public Health sent 8728 notices to those parents whose children have immunization records that are not up-to-date with Region of Waterloo Public Health.
To date, more than half of these students’ records are still outstanding. Public Health is sending out 4442 suspension orders this week.
Parents who receive a suspension order have up until March 28th, 2017 to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption to Public Health or their child will be suspended from school for a period of up to 20 days.
Region of Waterloo Public Health is required to collect, review and maintain the immunization records of all students attending school in Waterloo Region. This is done to ensure the immunization status of all children is up-to-date to prevent illnesses in the event of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak.
The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires students be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (for those born after 2010) and meningococcal disease. Records of immunization must be provided to Public Health.
With appropriate legal documentation, exemptions based on medical or conscience/religious reasons are allowed. If students do not provide an up-to-date immunization record or legal exemption, they will face suspension from school for up to 20 days or until documentation is provided to Public Health.
“Enforcing the law ensures that children and our community are protected against vaccine preventable diseases,” says Karen Quigley-Hobbs, Director of the Infectious Diseases Division. Quigley-Hobbs reminds parents that it is their responsibility to provide proof of immunization or exemption directly to Public Health.
"There is still time to act. Please respond as soon as possible to ensure we have your information and avoid suspension for your child on March 29th," reminds Quigley-Hobbs.
Parents may contact their health care provider or family physician to obtain immunization records and/or immunizations. For those without a family physician, Public Health offers immunization clinics in both Waterloo and Cambridge offices. Parents can make an appointment by calling 519-575-4400 ext. 5003. A listing of Walk-in Clinics at Region of Waterloo Public Health can be found on our website.
For more information, please contact our Vaccine Information Line at 519-575-4400 ext. 5003.
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Media contact: Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244