SUBMITTED

Last month, South East Health Unit (formerly the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) began conducting immunization record assessments for students born in 2020, 2017 and 2008. Having up-to-date immunization records inform us of vaccine coverage rates (those that have protection against these diseases), which allows public health to act swiftly to prevent additional cases should cases of a communicable disease occur in the school setting.

As of December 2024, over 3,000 students’ (born in 2008, 2017 and 2020) immunization records are incomplete or completely missing in the provincial record system for our area.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, the Medical Officer of Health will be issuing an order of suspension for each of the students who still do not have any immunization record submitted to the health unit by the stated deadline.

The suspension from school is for up to 20 school days, starting on the date stated in the notice (this varies by school board).

Suspension orders for students born in 2008 and 2017 in the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be mailed out by February 10. The orders for students in junior kindergarten will be placed in the students’ backpack the week of February 10, instead of by mail.

The start of the 20 day suspension period for UCDSB will be March 26 for students who still do not have any immunization records submitted to the Health Unit by March 25.

The suspension will be rescinded by public health when one of the following requirements is met by the parent/guardian:

1. Provide a record of immunization using the Health Unit online portal. We require a copy of an official immunization record from a health care provider.

2. Provide the health unit with a statement of medical exemption to exempt the student from immunization requirements.

3. Provide the health unit with a statement of conscience or religious belief affidavit to exempt the student from immunization requirements. Questions regarding the process should be submitted to schoolvaccine@healthunit.org

4. Submit proof of a booked immunization appointment to provide the student with the required vaccines by email to schoolvaccine@healthunit.org

5. Parent or guardian initiates a request for an exemption under the Immunization of School Pupils Act by emailing schoolvaccine@healthunit.org.

Parents/guardians needing assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to schoolvaccine@healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313.

The health unit has immunization clinics in five locations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Families who have received a suspension letter are welcome to book into one of these clinics if unable to access an appointment with their own health care provider. The link to book an appointment is found on this page.

For more information on required immunizations for school and daycare attendance, please go to our website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/immunization/

Submitted by South East Health Unit.