On Friday, Jan. 3, Lambton Public Health (LPH) began notifying parents and guardians if their children’s immunization records are not up to date according to records reported to LPH.
To attend school in Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990 (ISPA) requires students to be vaccinated against or obtain a valid exemption for the following diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal disease, and Varicella.
Immunization records are not automatically reported by health care providers to LPH. Parents or guardians are required to report immunizations or a valid exemption to LPH and ensure all records are up to date for each school year. If a child’s immunizations have not yet been reported by the parent or guardian to LPH, they may still receive a first notice letter even if they have received all required vaccinations.
LPH resumed enforcement of ISPA in 2024 following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, approximately 3,000 first notices have been issued to students with out-of-date immunization records, compared to approximately 6,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
The notice is the first step in the suspension process, with immunizations required to be reported before January 31. Step two involves a Suspension Order mailed in early February. If there is no response to the Suspension Order, suspension from school will be effective Tuesday, March 4, for up to 20 school days or until public health records are updated.
LPH is committed to helping keep children in school and has worked closely with local school boards to ensure parents and guardians receive support in reporting records. Options to report or view records, or learn how to complete the exemption process, can be found on our website by visiting https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/immunization/children-and-youth/#reportandview.
If a child requires an immunization, please contact your health care provider or visit https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/events/clinics/immunization/ to see additional options.
For more information visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca or call us at 226-254-8222 or toll-free at 1- 800-667-1839.