Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act For Elementary School Grades in Waterloo Region
On March 29th, elementary students whose immunization 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 immunization record. The week of March 6, 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.
To date, 2907 student records remain outstanding. Suspension orders take effect March 29th, 2017.
Parents who received a suspension order have up until 4:30 pm on March 28th, 2017 to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption to Region of Waterloo Public Health or their child will be suspended from school.
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.
“Enforcing the law ensures that children and our community are protected against vaccine preventable diseases”, says Karen Quigley-Hobbs, Director of the Infectious Diseases, Dental and Sexual Health 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 to avoid suspension for your child on March 29th", requests 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. A list of Region of Waterloo Public Health walk-in clinics can be found on our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph.
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
kkeil-mehlenbacher@regionofwaterloo.ca