
March 16, 2017 · 0 Comments
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is warning parents and students there isn’t much time left to update their immunization records. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in suspension for up to 20 school days.
Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act requires students to have up-to-date vaccinations or a legal exemption on file with public health units. In January, WDGPH sent notices to approximately 11,000 students with incomplete immunization records. In a news release Wednesday, the agency said 5,000 high school and elementary students are still facing suspension unless they update their records. Public Health officials are working with school boards and principals to reduce the number of students facing suspension in the next few weeks. Each school will suspend students who do not have up-to-date immunization records.
Parents and students are encouraged to make an appointment with their physician immediately to arrange for any missing vaccines and have their vaccinations reported to Public Health. Public Health has been offering immunization clinics at high schools and public health locations.
“Parents can anticipate that high school students will be suspended on March 22 and elementary students the first week of April if their immunization records have not been updated with Public Health,” said Rita Sethi, Director of Community Health and Wellness. “We are working closely with schools to make sure students are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases so they can attend classes.”
Students’ records can be updated by visiting www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
The warning came as mumps – a disease that had been eradicated through vaccinations – has been spreading in Toronto schools. Toronto Public Health (TPH) reported Tuesday that there are now 28 confirmed cases of mumps in Toronto, including three new cases from three different local schools.
The total number of cases has been rising in recent weeks, with cases initially tied to downtown Toronto’s west-end bar scene, mostly among 18- to 35-year-olds. TPH sent letters to west-end bars, restaurants and schools to remind people to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.