The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has started its annual review of student immunization records as required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. This review ensures that all students in Renfrew County and District are up to date on their immunizations to protect against serious illnesses. Routine immunizations help safeguard both children and the wider community from preventable diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, students in Ontario must be immunized or have a valid exemption for nine vaccine-preventable diseases. These include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox) for those born after January 1, 2010.
As part of the review, RCDHU is sending notices to families of students who are missing required vaccines or whose immunization records have not been updated. A second notice will be sent later this winter to those who still have incomplete records. If immunization records remain out of date after the second notice, students may face suspension from school. However, RCDHU will work with families to avoid this outcome.
Dr. Jason Morgenstern, Medical Officer of Health for RCDHU, emphasized the importance of keeping immunizations up to date: “Recent increases in measles and whooping cough activity across Ontario reinforce the importance of keeping immunizations up to date.”
Parents and guardians who receive an immunization notice are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for updates and submit their child’s immunization records to RCDHU. Records can be sent through the secure online tool ICON, email, fax, or phone. Those without a healthcare provider can contact RCDHU to book an appointment at an upcoming immunization clinic.
For more information on immunization requirements or to book an appointment, visit the RCDHU Immunizations for Children webpage or call the Immunization Information Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.
(Written by: Emma Butler)