The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says that on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, it will begin enforcing the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA).
It will issue suspension orders for students in Grades, 4, 5 and 6 who are missing or have incomplete vaccination records.
Under ISPA, health units are required to maintain vaccine records for every student attending school and enforce suspensions for incomplete vaccine information. As of today, there are 2745 outstanding records. Currently, 86 percent of Grade 4, 5 and 6 students in Simcoe Muskoka have up-to-date immunization records on file with the health unit.
To support students and families, the health unit says it is offering immunizations by appointment at office locations in Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst. From Feb. 3 to 5, the health unit will also accept walk-ins. Please visit the health unit’s website for walk-in clinic hours or to schedule an appointment. When a student is immunized at a health unit clinic, their record is also updated, and they can return to school immediately.
Students may also receive their immunization through their healthcare provider but must report this information to the health unit. Reporting immunizations can easily be done online at smdhu.org/ImmsOnline or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520.
Having up-to-date immunizations helps to ensure that students have the best protection against serious vaccine-preventable diseases, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools, and allows the health unit to act quickly to prevent and control outbreaks.
For more information about routine and required vaccines given to students and the diseases they prevent, please visit smdhu.org or call the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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In Ontario/Canada vaccine exemptions are allowed for students for medical, religious or conscientious reasons. It is a parent’s right to not vaccinate their children and those children are allowed to attend school if certain conditions are met. The following link explains it in full.
https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/the-law-exemptions-suspensions-and-exclusions.aspx