“Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 5, 2019 – This week, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health will be sending out a second round of notices to parents of students whose immunization information is incomplete. Parents must provide up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption to Public Health by March 22, otherwise their child is at risk of being suspended from school for up to 20 days, starting April 12.
Vaccines are very important to ensure all students in school are as healthy and safe as possible. Proof of immunization must be provided to Public Health to avoid suspension. It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to inform Public Health every time their child receives a vaccination.
Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires that parents of children attending school provide Public Health with proof of their child’s immunization against the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox – for children born in 2010 or later). Students may be exempted from vaccinations for medical reasons and issues of conscience or religious belief.
“Students who are missing required vaccines should contact their health care provider to be immunized as soon as possible” says Bill Sherlock, Clinical Services Program Manager at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “We want to make it as easy as possible for students to get caught up with their immunizations, so Public Health will also be holding immunization clinics, with appointments available during March Break, PA days, and after school, for students who may not be able to receive immunizations through their primary care provider.”
To avoid suspension, parents should update their child’s vaccinations if applicable, and then update records with Public Health as soon as possible. There are several easy ways to update vaccination records:
- Through our website by using ICON
- Phone: 613-966-5500 ext. 221
- Fax: 613-966-8145
- Email: CDCIMM@hpeph.ca
- Parents can take a photo of the updated record and email it along with the child’s name, date of birth, and health card number
For more information, please visit https://www.hpepublichealth.ca/healthy-living/immunization-services or call 613-966-5500 ext. 221
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Media Contact:
Bill Sherlock, Clinical Services Program Manager
613-966-5500 x 245
bsherlock@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit www.hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
