Thousands of students face possible school suspension over incomplete immunization records

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued school suspension orders set to take effect March 31 for students who have not met Ontario’s immunization requirements.

The orders apply to students born in 2009, 2017 and 2018 who attend school in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties, and whose immunization records do not comply with the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

As part of the ISPA process, GEPH sent 4,317 letters to parents and caregivers in July, urging them to review and update their child’s immunization records or face possible suspension. The health unit said through follow-up reminders, record support and vaccine clinics, just under half of the cases were resolved.

By the end of January, 2,326 suspension orders had been issued. As of Monday, GEPH said 2,028 students still face suspension due to incomplete immunization records.

“GEPH is required to collect and maintain immunization records for all students under the age of 18 attending school in the region to help protect students and the public in case there is a vaccine preventable disease outbreak in our community,” a media release read in part. “Under ISPA, students aged 4 to 17 must provide proof of routine childhood immunizations, including tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and varicella (for children born in 2010 and later), or have a valid exemption to attend school.”

GEPH noted that healthcare providers are not required to report vaccinations directly to public health, making it the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure records are current.

Public health officials said efforts are ongoing to reduce the number of suspensions before they take effect, including issuing reminders, offering additional clinics and supporting families with record updates.

“Routine childhood immunizations protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization is a key public health measure to keep our students and school communities healthy and safe,” said Dr. Jason Malenfant, acting medical officer of health at GEPH. “The vaccines listed under the Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act are safe, effective, and supported by extensive scientific evidence. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure their child’s immunization record is complete and up to date. We thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our school settings safe.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to check and update their child’s immunization record online at GEPH.ca/ispa.