Grey Bruce Public Health is continuing efforts to help local students stay up to date on required immunizations by hosting vaccine clinics throughout March, including during March Break.
The clinics are part of focused suspension-prevention efforts under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which requires students to have up-to-date immunization records unless a valid exemption is on file.
In mid-February, approximately 900 students received suspension notices due to incomplete vaccine records or overdue immunizations. Public Health says it has already achieved a 67 per cent reduction in the number of students at risk of suspension since beginning outreach efforts last summer.
“Our focus right now is on supporting students who still need to update their immunization records,” said Monica Blair, Program Manager of Vaccine Preventable Diseases. “Having an updated immunization record ensures students comply with the Immunization of School Pupils Act and are not at risk of suspension. It will also assist families in the event of an outbreak.”
Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their child’s immunization records are current using the online ICON tool, available through the Public Health website.
A full calendar of community vaccine clinics is posted on the Grey Bruce Public Health website.
Families can also contact the Vaccine Preventable Diseases team by email at immunization@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca or by phone at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, press 2.