Special to the Sydenham Current
Each year nurses from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit review and assess the immunization status of students enrolled in daycares and schools within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
This record keeping of immunization information comes from the Child Care and Early Years Act, and the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
The purpose of these Acts is to increase the protection of the health of children against serious diseases that include diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, tetanus, varicella and meningitis.
If there are incomplete or not up-to-date immunization records, parents/guardians will be notified to provide the required information.
What about home-schooled students?
For families who participate in home schooling the Public Health Unit may not have the student’s immunization history.
Please note that primary health care providers are NOT responsible for calling Public Health and reporting your child’s immunization information.
This is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility.
Your doctor should give you a written record whenever immunization is given to your child.
It’s as important as a birth certificate or passport.
Immunization information at the Public Health Unit is kept in a database that can determine if children are immunized in accordance with recommended immunization schedules for publicly-funded vaccines.
Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and Human Papillomavirus vaccines are offered free of charge to students through school-based immunization programs.
Home-schooled students may not be aware that they can receive these vaccinations for free as well.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. There is no cure. The vaccine for Hepatitis B is a series of two shots, four to six months apart. It is offered free to grade 7 students. Students may start or complete their series in grade 8.
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can cause serious infections of the brain, spinal cord and blood. The vaccine is one shot and offered free to grade 7 students. Students are required to have this vaccine to avoid school suspension in grade 8.
Human Papillomavirus is a virus that can cause diseases in the genital area and may develop into cancer. The vaccine is a series of two shots given six months apart to grade seven students. Students may be eligible for the free vaccine after grade seven, contact the Public Health Unit to see if you qualify.
Don’t miss out on these free vaccinations.
For more information please contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-355-1071 ext. 5900.
