Almost 1,000 elementary school students who haven’t complied with immunization requirements are facing suspension.
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According to the Brant County Health Unit, as of Monday, 994 elementary school students born in 2014, 2015 and 2016 who received suspension orders from the health unit, in accordance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act, remain non-compliant.
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These students will face suspension starting March 26 for up to 20 school days if their immunization records are not updated with the health unit, said a news release issued Monday.
The health unit is required to collect and maintain the immunization records of all students under the age of 18 attending school in Brantford-Brant. This is to ensure all students have up-to-date records in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.
“Keeping students healthy and safe in the classroom is an important shared responsibility between parents/caregivers and those of us working in public health,” said Rebecca Comley, medical officer of health. “Ensuring your child’s record is up to date, in advance of the March 26 suspension date, is crucial to ensuring that we avoid preventable outbreaks in our schools and that children in our community avoid disruptions to vital school-based learning.”
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In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupils Act means all students between the ages of four and 17 must provide proof of routine childhood immunization for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, and varicella (for those children born in 2010 and after) or who have a valid exemption to attend school. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is currently not a requirement to attend school and doesn’t need to be reported.
On Feb. 7, 272 high school students, born in 2006 and 2007 were suspended for non-compliance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act requirements. As of Monday, 12 of those students remain suspended.
Parents and caregivers can review and update their child’s immunization record with the health unit at bchu.org/emunization or contact their primary healthcare provider to receive any immunizations needed. Students can also receive any missing vaccines at the health unit by calling 519-753-4937, ext. 451 to make an appointment.
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