Lambton Public Health (LPH) says approximately 1,000 students face suspension for not providing up-to-date immunization records or valid exemptions, but there's still time to meet the requirement.
Suspension orders were issued to approximately 2,400 students in Lambton County on February 3, nearly a month after notices were sent home in January.
As of February 25, LPH said about 700 elementary school students and 300 high school students face suspension under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, which represents a 66 per cent drop from when the first notices were issued.
"[LPH] is committed to helping children stay in school and receive the education that they need to succeed later in life and have worked collaboratively with our partners at the local school boards to ensure this remains the case," read an emailed statement from LPH. "We are pleased to see the continued decrease and anticipate this will continue ahead of the suspension date on March 4."
There were 546 total suspensions in the 2023-2024 school year.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karalyn Dueck previously said there are nine diseases for which immunization records are required, a few of which include polio, measles, mumps, and rubella.
"Routine immunizations remain one of the best tools to keep your family and community safe and healthy and help children achieve their growth and development milestones," said LPH. "It is important to remember that health care providers are not required to report immunizations to Public Health."
Immunizations can be reported online at LambtonPublicHealth.ca or by calling 226-254-8222.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves