Algoma Public Health reminds parents and students of immunization requirements for the 2023-24 academic school year.
The Immunization of School Pupil’s Act (ISPA) requires that all children and adolescents under the age of 18 attending elementary or secondary school be immunized with Ontario’s required vaccines or have a valid immunization exemption on file with Algoma Public Health, a news release states.
Starting this week Algoma Public Health will be sending a letter to parents and guardians of children who may be missing immunizations or who have not updated Algoma Public Health with current vaccine records.
The vaccines that are mandatory for school attendance in Ontario are:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio (available in a combination vaccine: (Adacel®-Polio, Adacel®)
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (available in a combination vaccine: (Priorix-Tetra®, ProQuad®)
- Meningococcal disease (12 months to <12 years of age: (Menjugate® Liquid NeisVac-C®; grade 7 vaccines: Menactra®, Menveo®, Nimenrix®).
- Varicella – for children born in 2010 or later (Varilrix®, Varivax®)
"These vaccines are safe, effective, and publicly funded, which means there is no cost to students receiving these vaccines. They protect against serious sicknesses like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and chickenpox," the release said.
“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some delays in routine immunizations and the summer is a great opportunity for parents to get their child(ren) caught up,” said Nick Minardi, manager of the immunization program at Algoma Public Health.
There is a risk of suspension from school during the upcoming 2023/2024 school year if students have not received all mandatory vaccines, do not have their immunization records up to date or have an exemption on file.
How to update your child’s immunization records:
Update your child’s immunization record with Algoma Public Health using one of the following options:
- Email a picture of their vaccine record to [email protected]. Please ensure the email message includes your child’s full name and date of birth.
- Fax the vaccine record to 705-541-5959 (confidential fax).
- Enter the vaccine record online at www.algomapublichealth.com/icon
- Call us at 705-759-5409 or Toll-Free 1-866-892-0172, ext. 5409.
Ensure your child receives any missing immunizations by making an appointment with your health care provider or with Algoma Public Health.
Learn more about school immunizations.