Families across our listening area are being urged to check their children’s school immunization records after many received notices about missing or incomplete records.
Dr. Linna Li, Deputy Medical Officer of Health with the South East Health Unit, says Ontario law requires parents to provide proof of immunization.
If parents do not submit records, students could face suspension from school for up to 20 days. Health units send out letters each year as part of routine record checks.
Public health nurse Erin McLean said parents can avoid problems by reviewing records through the ICON web portal or the CAN Immunize app, which allows families to securely update information.
Immunization clinics are available in Almonte, Brockville, Kemptville, and Smiths Falls for families without a regular doctor.
Officials stress that high vaccine coverage helps protect against outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other preventable diseases.
Dr. Li says they make every effort to give notice and follow-up before a suspension is issued.
More details are available at the healthunit’s website. (healthuunit.org).
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