The Region of Waterloo says 704 high school students with out-of-date vaccination records were suspended Thursday morning. In mid-March, the region said suspension orders were sent to 3,258 students whose records were incomplete or outdated. They had until April 7 to update their vaccination records or file an exemption. And the warnings last month weren’t the only ones. In December, 4,385 students with incomplete records were mailed letters about their incomplete records. Last year, 920 high school students were suspended for outdated immunization records. “Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious illness,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the medical officer of health at the Region of Waterloo, in a news release. “Reporting your child’s vaccines and keeping them up to date helps to protect your child and the community from preventable illnesses.” The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires all elementary and secondary school students to have proof of vaccination or a valid exemption on file with Public Health. Suspended students can return to school once their vaccination records are up to date, or a valid exemption is on file, according to the Region. Once a child has received the required vaccines, parents are asked to report that online. For children who need vaccines, an exemption, or an in-person record review, the region suggests booking an appointment with public health online. Walk-ins for secondary students will be available on an ongoing basis during ISPA enforcement, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 99 Regina St, Waterloo, and 150 Main St, Cambridge. Vaccines can also be accessed through health care providers.
