Parents and guardians are being reminded to keep their children's vaccination records updated, otherwise their child will face suspension.
Beginning this week, Lambton Public Health (LPH) is sending out a first notice, which it said is the first step in the suspension process.
To attend school in Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupils Act requires students to be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella.
Parents can also file for an exemption.
Health Protection Supervisor Crystal Palleschi said the health unit has been working with local school boards over the past two years.
"We're reminding parents and guardians to report their child’s immunizations to LPH and to visit their health care provider to receive missing vaccines," said Palleschi. "LPH has sent three reminder letters and enhanced public communications prior to resuming the annual suspension process that was paused during the pandemic. We’ve seen a steady increase in reporting, and the push is on now to update approximately 6,000 student records before March to avoid suspension."
Palleschi said suspensions haven't been handed out since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic when 98 students were taken out of school.
Those who receive a notice are required to respond before January 23 and, if a response isn't given, a suspension order will be issued.
Palleschi said if there's no reply to the suspension order, the student will be suspended from school effective March 5 for up to 20 days or until public health records are updated.
Options to report records, view records, or learn how to complete the exemption process, can be found on LPH’s website.
Those needing an immunization are asked to call their healthcare provider or book an appointment at an LPH clinic.
Anyone with questions can visit www.GetTheVaccine.ca or call Lambton Public Health at 226-254-8222 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839.
