More than 300 local high schoolers face suspension next week because their immunization records aren’t up to date, Lambton Public Health said this week.
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Under Ontario law, the students will be suspended March 26 unless their families provide records of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease and varicella vaccinations, or a valid exemption, the county health unit said.
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At mid-week, 313 Lambton high school students were facing suspension, down from 440 at the end of February, the agency said.
“We are extremely encouraged by the response from students, parents, and guardians in making sure their immunization records are up-to-date and thank them for their support in helping ensure as safe and healthy a learning environment as possible,” said Crystal Palleschi , Lambton Public Health’s health protection supervisor, in a release.
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On Thursday morning, 13 Lambton County elementary school pupils were suspended for not having up-to-date records or a valid exemption, the agency said. The deadline for elementary schoolers was March 5.
Students and their parents or guardians can call Lambton Public Health’s vaccine call center at 226-254-8222 to report up-to-date immunizations or exemptions.
“We are anticipating a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to service clients as quickly as possible,” the agency said.
For more information, visit the agency’s website at lambtonpublichealth.ca/reporting-immunizations.
Lambton Public Health resumed enforcement of immunization rules, which had been paused since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this school year.
More than 5,800 Lambton students and pupils have updated their immunization records since Jan. 1, the agency said.
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