Students who have outdated immunization records could face suspension in the coming days.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) said starting Tuesday, March 5 elementary school aged students will face suspension if their records or a valid exemption are not provided.
In January, the health unit sent out notices to parents to update their child immunization records.
The health unit said since the new year, 4,442 students have been removed from the suspension list.
Meanwhile, as of February 27, 1,117 elementary aged students remained on the list for March 5.
Additionally, 640 high school students are facing suspension on Tuesday, March 26 if their records or a valid exemption are not reported.
"It has been a collaborative effort with local school boards, health care providers, and working diligently with parents and guardians to ensure up-to-date immunization records are reported," said Health Protection Supervisor Crystal Palleschi. "Through this entire process we have kept our focus on the shared goal of keeping as many students in school as possible and ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for all attending."
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to call LPH's Vaccine Call Centre at 226-254-8222 to report exemptions or up-to-date immunizations.
The Immunization of School Pupils Act was last enforced in 2020, which resulted in the health unit strengthening its call centre to accommodate increased demand.
It has supported over 3,000 calls since January 1, with an additional 4,700 going online at GetTheVaccine.ca for support.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact Lambton Public Health at 226-254-8222 or 1-800-667-1839.
