Students whose immunization information is not brought up to date could be removed from class for as many as 20 school days, says Algoma Public Health

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

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Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must be vaccinated against certain diseases to attend school. Algoma Public Health (APH) regularly reviews student immunization records to ensure they are complete and up to date.

With suspension orders now being issued to students with incomplete records, APH is urging prompt action to avoid students being temporarily removed from school later this spring.

Letters being sent to families

Algoma Public Health is sending letters to parents and guardians of students with missing or incomplete immunization records. These letters are being distributed both through schools and mailed to the student’s home address. They follow earlier notices sent in November 2025.

The letters explain what information is missing and includes a suspension order. Families still have time to book vaccination appointments and submit updated records to Algoma Public Health.

If no action is taken, affected students will be suspended from school for up to 20 school days later this spring.

Support is available

Algoma Public Health continues to work with families to update records and help students receive any missing vaccines before suspensions occur.

“The prevention of infectious diseases through immunization is essential to keeping our schools safe,” said Dr. Tuinema, acting medical officer of health at Algoma Public Health. “High vaccination rates help protect the whole community and prevent the spread of serious illnesses, such as measles and whooping cough.”

How to update your child’s immunization records

Please ensure any submission includes your child’s full name and date of birth.



Email: Send a photo of the vaccine record to [email protected]
(Note: If you are sending us personal information by email, please be aware that electronic communication is not always secure and can be vulnerable to interception).

Fax: 705-541-5959 (confidential fax)



By phone:




Blind River: 705-356-2551



Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314



Sault Ste. Marie: 705-759-5409



Wawa: 705-856-7208







If your child needs vaccinations


If you have a healthcare provider, make an appointment directly with them for the required vaccine(s). After the appointment, please submit the vaccination record to APH.




If you do not have a healthcare provider, a walk-in clinic may be able to provide routine immunization. Call your local walk-in clinic to see if this is an option.



Learn more about school immunizations.

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