SUBMITTED BY LEEDS, GRENVILLE AND LANARK DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
This January, the Health Unit is starting to send out letters informing over 6000 families they are required to submit immunization records to the Health Unit for their child(ren). The letter tells the parent that the Health Unit’s records show their child(ren) are missing some or all required doses for school attendance in Ontario. This falls under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
These letters will be mailed directly to families with children in
- Junior Kindergarten (school entry)
- Age 7 ( past due for 4-6 year old boosters)
- Age 17 (past due for 14 – 16 year old booster and Meningococcal)
A deadline for submitting the child’s proof of immunization to the Health Unit is provided in the letter.
In some cases, the child is already immunized, and the parent only needs to submit the proof. Health Care Providers do not automatically send in proof of immunization to the Health Unit. It is the parent’s responsibility to do this. To submit proof, please have a picture of the up to date immunization record ready to upload through our secure web portal: Online Immunization record submission
In other instances, parents will need to make an appointment to get the missing immunizations and then submit the updated immunization record. The Health Unit has clinics in five communities to help get children caught up, if they are not able to get in to their primary care provider: Book an Immunization appointment
Parents with questions can reach a Health Unit immunization nurse by calling 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313. (Please leave your message and your call will be returned within 2 business days. Include child’s name, date of birth and school as well as your contact information).
Parents can also email: schoolvaccine@healthunit.org (Please do NOT attach immunization records to your email – this is not a secure way to send personal health information. Include child’s name, date of birth and school as well as your contact information).
For more information about school immunization, visit: Immunization – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
