Health department sends 6,000 letters home to parents and guardians to ensure children receive overdue vaccines and update immunization records
Is your child up to date on vaccines?
Algoma Public Health (APH) announced today that approximately 6,000 letters have been sent to Algoma parents and guardians informing them that their child’s immunization records are out of date. The reason is that the deadline has passed or the health department has not administered the vaccination. I received my latest vaccination record.
“Infectious disease prevention is the cornerstone of ensuring a safe school environment. High levels of vaccination contribute to herd immunity, which keeps dangerous diseases away from children,” said Algoma Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. Secretary of State Dr. John Tuinema said in a news release issued today. “Some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, have a strong ability to spread among unvaccinated populations and require very high levels of vaccination to achieve herd immunity. is.”
Failure to do so may result in a student being suspended from school for up to 20 days in elementary or middle school.
“If a student has not received all mandatory vaccines, if their immunization record is not up to date, or if they have submitted a valid immunization exemption application, the suspension will begin in April and May of the 2023/2024 academic year. ,” the news release said. state. “Algoma Public Health encourages all families to update their child’s vaccine record in one of the following ways.”
For more information, including how to make sure your child has the latest information, read the full press release below.
Algoma Public Health has sent approximately 6,000 letters to Algoma parents and guardians. The purpose of these letters is to notify you that your child’s immunization records at Algoma Public Health are not up to date. This could mean she needs to get one or more vaccines because she hasn’t received an up-to-date vaccination record or it’s past the deadline.
Vaccines are essential to protect not only schools but entire communities by reducing the spread of preventable diseases, and vaccination is the most effective and cost-effective primary care intervention to protect communities. It is one of the When children are vaccinated, all members of the community benefit.
Under the School Student Immunization Act (ISPA), all children and youth under the age of 18 attending elementary or secondary school must: vaccinated Make sure you have the required vaccines in Ontario or apply for a valid immunization exemption with Algoma Public Health. Failure to meet these requirements will result in suspension for up to 20 days. If the information is not received, the suspension may be reissued for up to an additional 20 days.
“Infectious disease prevention is the cornerstone of ensuring a safe school environment. High levels of vaccination contribute to herd immunity, which keeps dangerous diseases away from children,” said Algoma Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. said Dr. Tuinema. “Some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, have a strong ability to spread among unvaccinated populations and require very high levels of vaccination to achieve herd immunity. is.”
If a student has not received all required vaccines, immunization records are not up to date, or has submitted a valid immunization exemption application, the suspension will begin in April and May of the 2023/2024 academic year. will be held on. Algoma Public Health encourages all families to update their child’s vaccine record in one of the following ways:
How to update your child’s immunization record:
Update your child’s immunization record with Algoma Public Health using one of the following options: Please make sure to include your child’s full name and date of birth in your submission.
-
Enter your vaccine record online. www.algomapublichealth.com/icon
-
Please call 705-759-5409 or toll free 1-866-892-0172 (ext.). 5409.
-
Please fax your vaccine records to 705-541-5959 (confidential fax).
- Please email a photo of your vaccination record [email protected] (If you send personal information via email, please be aware that electronic communications are not always secure and may be intercepted)
If your child needs vaccines:
Make an appointment with your health care provider, participating walk-in clinic, or Algoma Public Health to ensure your child receives any missing immunizations.
Learn more about the school vaccination.