On January 6, CK Public Health initiated the process of notifying parents and guardians of any students with incomplete immunizations records.
This year, 1,686 first notices were issued, public health officials say.
“In order to attend school in Ontario, students must comply with the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990 (ISPA), which requires students to be vaccinated against or obtain a valid exemption for the following diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal disease, and Varicella,” CK Public Health officials say.
“It is crucial for parents to realize that immunization records are not automatically reported by health care providers to CK Public Health. Thus, parents may receive a first notice letter even if their child has received all required vaccinations.”
To ensure compliance with ISPA and avoid any potential suspension, parents are urged to take the following steps:
– Review your child’s immunization records to ensure they are complete.
– Contact your healthcare provider for missing vaccinations or reach out to the CK Public Health School Health Team for clinic options.
– Submit updated records to CK Public Health: Online at ckpublichealth.com/vaccinations, Mail/In-Person at 435 Grand Ave East, Chatham ON (2nd Floor), Phone at 519-352-7270 ext 2457
“The notice letter marks the initial stage of the ISPA process,” public health officials say.
“Should records remain outdated, a Suspension Order will be issued at the end of January. Non-compliance with the suspension order will lead to the student’s suspension from school beginning on March 4th. CK Public Health is committed to keeping students in the classroom and is ready to collaborate with parents to ensure their child’s vaccines are completed and accurately reported.”
For more information visit CKPublicHealth.com/vaccinations.
