Currently, health unit says 3,741 pupils in grades 3 and 4 across Simcoe-Muskoka still have missing or incomplete records<\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE
\nSIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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\nIf you have a child in Grades 3 or 4 (born in 2016 and 2017) it\u2019s time to make sure their immunization records are up to date. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding parents and guardians to make sure their children\u2019s records are up to date by Feb. 3, 2026, to avoid suspension. Under Ontario\u2019s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students whose immunization records are incomplete or missing can be suspended from school.<\/p>\n
While the ISPA is a provincial law, local public health units support this process by reviewing student vaccination records and notifying families when updates are required. The health unit sent reminder notices home from school in June and November with Grade 3 and 4 students whose immunization records on file at the health unit are not up to date. Currently, 3,741 Grade 3 and 4 students across Simcoe Muskoka still have missing or incomplete immunization records. These families have now been mailed a suspension order which will take effect on Feb. 3, 2026, if the required information is not received by that time.<\/p>\n
\u201cImmunizations protect children by helping their bodies build immunity before they encounter disease,\u201d says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health at SMDHU. \u201cThe recent measles outbreaks we\u2019ve seen in Ontario show how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can spread. Keeping immunization records up to date safeguards both our schools and the wider community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Ontario, there is no provincial-wide digital immunization registry system. When a child receives vaccines from their primary care provider, the details are recorded in their medical record at the doctor\u2019s office. However, this information is not automatically shared with the local health unit. It is the responsibility of parents to report each vaccination to the health unit whenever their child receives a vaccine.<\/p>\n
What parents and guardians who received a suspension notice need to do:<\/p>\n
1. Review your child\u2019s immunization record.
\nThe immunization record that the health unit has on file is included on the suspension order, noting which vaccine information we are missing. Check your child\u2019s yellow immunization card or immunization record from their doctor to see if the missing vaccines have been given.<\/p>\n
2. Ensure your child receives any missing vaccines. 3. Report your child\u2019s updated immunization information to the health unit.
Families who are choosing not to vaccinate their child must speak with an immunization nurse to review the process for completing a non-medical exemption.<\/p>\n
\nIf your child has not received the missing vaccines, book an appointment with your health care provider or access one of the health unit immunization clinic<\/a> opportunities.<\/p>\n
\nIf your child has already had the missing vaccines, or once your child receives them from your health care provider, report this information to the health unit using one of the following methods:<\/p>\n
\n\tCANImmunize App<\/a> \u2013 A secure mobile app that allows you to manage and submit immunization records from your smartphone. Be sure that you have selected the option to share your child\u2019s record with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
\n\tICON (Immunization Connect Ontario)<\/a> \u2013 Submit records online using a desktop or mobile device.
\n\tPhone \u2013 Call the health unit at 705-721-7520, ext. 8827.
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