news release
waterloo region
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Families have just two weeks to update their children’s immunization records, obtain needed vaccines and apply for exemptions before middle school closures go into effect on Wednesday, May 1. .
On April 8, Waterloo Region Public Health issued 6,819 suspension orders under the Child Immunization Act (ISPA) to secondary school students whose immunization records were not up to date with public health updates. I put it out.
As of April 15, 4,289 vaccination records remain outdated. The majority of middle school students who are not up to date on immunizations lack one or both of the following:
- Meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine and/or
- Teenager Booster for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
- Tdap boosters are required 10 years after the last dose (usually given between ages 4 and 6).
“Vaccines required for secondary school students protect against serious illnesses that can have life-altering consequences,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Xu Li Wang. “We want to prevent suspensions and, more importantly, ensure that high school students are protected from these illnesses.”
Report vaccines to public health authorities
If your child has received the vaccines listed on the immunization notice:
- Report to Public Health. Due to the high volume of vaccine record submissions, it may take 3-5 business days to contact you for updated records.
- Submit your child’s records only once. If your child’s records are not up to date, we will follow up with you.
Let’s get vaccinated
If your child has received an immunization notice and needs a vaccine appointment, please make an appointment with your health care provider or public health agency. www.regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines.
Have a question? Need help?
- Visit Waterloo Public Health Region I want to know more about vaccinations at schools and nursery schools.
- Call Waterloo Public Health Region at 519-575-4400, (TTY) 519-575-4608. Interpreters are available in over 150 languages.
background
During the pandemic, public health officials have seen a decline in vaccination rates among school-age children. Regular vaccinations protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningococcus, whooping cough, and chickenpox.
In January, Waterloo Region Public Health issued 10,425 suspension notices under the School Student Immunization Act (ISPA) to secondary school students whose public health department immunization records were not up to date. . Since then, public health departments have been running catch-up clinics and providing public assistance to encourage families to update their immunization records and get the routine vaccines they need to stay in school. , has launched a marketing campaign.
The last time ISPA was implemented in Waterloo Region was in 2019, when about 1,032 students were suspended.
of Act on vaccination of children and students (ISPA) requires all elementary and middle school students to have these vaccinations or proof of vaccination. A valid exemption registered with the Department of Public Health.
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