Renfrew County and District Health Unit has completed its annual review of all student immunization records for the 2017/2018 school year. Area students, who have incomplete immunization records, have begun to receive notices by mail detailing required immunizations to attend school in Ontario. Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupil’s Act (ISPA), students are required to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and meningococcal disease and for students born in 2010 or later chickenpox.
If the RCDHU does not have a complete record of immunization or a medical/philosophical exemption on file, students may be suspended from school. As of September 2017, all parents/legal guardians that choose not to vaccinate their children against the required diseases must complete a ministry mandated education session through their local public health unit, before a philosophical exemption can be completed.
“If a parent is unsure of why they received an immunization notice, it is important that they contact the health unit” said Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “Most parents think doctor’s office update the health unit with their child’s immunization information, however that doesn’t always happen.”
If your child requires immunization, they may book an appointment through the health unit, or contact their health care provider. To book an immunization appointment with Renfrew County and District Health Unit call 613-735-8666 or 1-800-267-1097 ext.666.
