The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit is issuing suspension letters this week to families of students who haven’t submitted vaccine records.
Last year, over 6,000 assessed records showed missing doses or no immunization records. As of late July, the number is over 1,300.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, Dr. Linna Li has signed a 20-day suspension order for each of these students, starting on the first day of school.
The cut off date to comply in order to avoid suspension is the last day before school starts
- UCDSB Tuesday Sept 3, 2024.
- CDSBEO Tuesday Sept 3, 2024.
- Ecole Catholiques Centre Est August 26, 2024
- Conseil des Ecoles Publiques de l’Est de L’Ontario August 26, 2024
The suspension will be rescinded by the Health Unit when one of the following requirements is met by the parent/guardian:
- Provide a record of immunization using the Health Unit online portal. The Health Unit does not accept submissions from apps such as CAN Immunize as often there are errors made when the parent transcribes the information. We require a copy of an official immunization record from a Health Care Provider.
- Provide the Health Unit with a statement of medical exemption to exempt the student from immunization requirements.
- Provide the Health Unit with a statement of conscience or religious belief affidavit to exempt the student from immunization requirements.
- Submit proof of a booked immunization appointment to provide the student with the required vaccines by email to ImmunizationNursingSupport@healthunit.org
- Parents/guardians needing assistance with this process are welcome to call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313 or send an email to ImmunizationNursingSupport@healthunit.org
The Health Unit has set up additional evening immunization clinics in late August at five locations. Families who have received a suspension letter are welcome to book into one of these clinics. The link to book an appointment is found on this page.
With Pertussis cases rising in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark and Measles cases in Ontario, it is important that immunization records are up to date. This proactive measure will allow the Health Unit to quickly respond to cases in the school environment and help minimize school disruptions for students and staff this coming school year.
Story by Grant Deme