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Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (1)

On March 29th, 1021 elementary students in Region of Waterloo Public and Catholic schools were suspended from school for having out of date immunization records.

In the fall of 2016, Public Health notified 8679 parents that their children’s immunization records were not up-to-date. On March 7, 2017, Public Health sent 4442 suspension orders to parents whose children had immunization records that were not up-to-date with Region of Waterloo Public Health.

1021 students were suspended starting March 29, 2017

Parents still have the opportunity to update their children’s records. Providing up-to-date records or receiving overdue immunizations will end the suspension and children will be allowed to return to school.

Public Health continues to offer immunization clinics in both Cambridge and Waterloo offices. A list of Region of Waterloo Public Health walk-in clinics can be found on our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph

Region of Waterloo Public Health is required to collect 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 in the event of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak.

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires students to 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.

Parents may contact their health care provider or family physician to obtain immunization records and/or immunizations. Parents may call 519-575-4400 for more information and assistance.

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Media contact: Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244