Deadline looms to update vaccinations before suspensions start

Families have three weeks to update their child’s vaccination records, get needed vaccines or apply for an exemption before elementary school suspension orders take effect, the public health unit says.

In mid-February, Region of Waterloo Public Health issued 18,643 suspension orders under the Immunization of School Pupils Act to elementary school students whose vaccination records were not up to date. Almost 10,5000 vaccination records remain outdated, about two-thirds of them for children aged four to seven years.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your child’s vaccination records are up to date,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health. “Plan ahead to avoid missing days of school and waiting in long lines.”

“With increased global measles activity and recent cases of measles in Ontario, it is very important to ensure your children are protected against this serious and preventable disease. The measles vaccine is part of the routine vaccinations required under the Immunization for School Pupils Act.”

Suspension orders for elementary students whose vaccine records are not up to date take effect March 27. The high school suspension date is May 1. If your child has had the vaccines listed on their Immunization Notice, contact Public Health. If your child needs a vaccine, book an appointment with your doctor. Notify Public Health at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines if the appointment is after March 27. If you don’t have an OHIP card or a primary health care provider, call Public Health at 519-575-4400. You can check your child’s immunization record at regionofwaterloo.ca/VaccineReporting.

The last time Public Health enforced the immunization act was in 2019, when about 1,030 students were suspended.

Suspension orders for elementary students whose vaccine records are not up to date take effect March 27