Potential suspension looming for thousands of students over outdated vaccination records

Elementary students across the Region of Waterloo could be suspended from school due to not having up-to-date vaccination records or a valid exemption on file.

The public health unit mailed out letters to 9,234 students in January and February. Suspension orders were then issued to 7,065 students in March.

Public health said the latest numbers were consistent with historical trends across the region.

If caregivers don’t update the records by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4, the suspensions will take effect on Thursday, May 7.

“We strongly encourage parents to update their child’s vaccine record as soon as possible,” said Dr. Hsiu‑Li Wang, the medical officer of health for the Region of Waterloo. “Due to the high number of expected suspensions, waiting until suspension day to update records could mean missing extra days of school before they can return.”

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires all elementary and secondary students to have proof of their vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough) and varicella (chickenpox), or a valid exemption on file with public health.