The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding all Grade 11 and 12 students to submit up-to-date immunization information to the health unit, before the Sept. 23 deadline to avoid suspension from school.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), public health units must have either an up-to-date immunization record, a medical exemption for students who cannot be vaccinated or an affidavit for students whose families are choosing not to vaccinate on file for all students. Failure to provide the necessary documentation can result in school suspension. Currently, there are approximately 3,700 outstanding immunization records for students in Grades 11 and 12 across Simcoe Muskoka. Keeping immunization records current is essential for enabling the health unit to respond swiftly to disease outbreaks and ensure community safety.
Since the beginning of the year, the health unit has been working with families to update students’ vaccinations and provide catch-up opportunities through immunization clinics at health unit offices across the region. In May, letters were mailed home to high school students born in 2008 and 2009 whose immunization records were not up to date. Students whose records remain incomplete have now been mailed suspension notices which will take effect on Tuesday, Sept. 23 if the required information is not received by that date.
“We understand that a school suspension can be highly disruptive for students and their families, which is why we’re urging students and their parents or guardians to take immediate action and update their vaccination status before the Sept. 23 deadline,” says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health at SMDHU. “Ensuring immunizations are up to date offers the best protection against serious vaccine-preventable diseases and helps reduce the risk of outbreaks in schools.”
Families who do not have a healthcare provider can book an immunization appointment at one of the following SMDHU locations: Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, or Orillia. Students who have already received their vaccinations through a healthcare provider should report this information to the health unit. This can be done easily online at smdhu.org/ImmsOnline.
To help manage immunization records, families are encouraged to use CANImmunize, a free mobile app that serves as a digital version of the traditional yellow immunization card. It helps keep everything organized and even allows you to share records directly with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
For more information about routine immunizations or to book an appointment at a health unit clinic, visit smdhu.org/vaccines or contact the immunization team at 705-721-7520, ext. 8827 (toll-free 1-877-721-7520).
