Still 1400 secondary students on the suspension list
On May 11th, secondary 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 record and/or immunizations. The week of April 18, 2016, Public Health sent 3046 suspension orders to those students/parents whose immunization records are not up-to-date with Region of Waterloo Public Health.
To date, 1438 students’ records are still outstanding. Suspension orders will take effect May 11th, 2016.
Students who received a suspension order have up until May 10th, 2016 to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption to Public Health or they will be suspended from school for a period of up to 20 days.
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 Linda Black, Manager of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programs. Black reminds parents and students 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 May 11th", requests Black.
Parents or students 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 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. 13007.
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Media contact: Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244