Suspension notices issued for students behind with immunizations
Administrator | Mar 14, 2016 | Comments 2
Parents of children have until April 15th to get immunization records updated with public health and avoid suspensions from school.
“We prefer to not suspend students, which is why we send out two rounds of notices and offer extra immunization clinics. Parents still have plenty of time to get their children’s immunization records up-to-date,” said Bill Sherlock, Program Manager with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “We just sent out the second round of notices this week.”
As of February, 2,000 notices were sent to parents of children aged seven to 17 as an initial notice to update their child’s immunization records. As of March, 1,200 students are expected to receive final suspension notices.
“In the event of an outbreak, public health staff must be able to act quickly and advise those who are not immunized so they can take actions to protect themselves,” said Sherlock. “Without up-to-date immunization records, public health cannot reach unprotected people as quickly. Requiring proof of immunizations also prompts parents to ensure their child’s immunizations are current, which will help protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“If your child received a suspension notice, we are asking parents to check their child’s immunization records,” he said. “If records are up-to-date, notify public health. If your child requires additional immunizations, make arrangements to vaccinate your child, either through your health care provider or at a public health clinic. It is important for parents to notify public health after their child has been immunized.”
To find an immunization clinic near you, call 613-966-5500, ext.221 or toll-free at 1-800-267-2803, ext.221.
Filed Under: News from Everywhere Else
In this day and age, it should be required.
But Lets say the kids that dont get sick, you start pointing fingers and want us to pay for it.
It seems strange to me that students will be suspended for not having immunization a when immunization a are not even required. Parents can simply send in a form to notify that they opt not to immunize. Immunizations are not mandatory (in that exemptions are allowed):
Provincial Vaccine Exemptions Available…Ontario
Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Affidavit 4897-64E (2013/08)
‘The requirements of the Immunization of School Pupils Act conflict with my sincerely held convictions based on my religion or conscience’
‘I understand that section 12 of the Act provides that the Medical Officer of Health may order that the above named pupil be excluded from school if there is an outbreak or immediate risk of an outbreak of a designated disease in the school at which the pupil attends’
So, has there been an outbreak or is there immediate risk of an outbreak of a designated disease?
If not, this is another pro-immunization scare tactic or ignorance on the part of administrators. If yes, which disease outbreak is of immediate concern?