The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is urging parents and students to plan ahead to avoid suspensions in September due to incomplete immunization records.
About 13,000 middle school students with incomplete immunization records received immunization notices in June. Since the notification letters were sent, approximately 1,000 middle school students have received vaccinations and/or updated their records.
That means 12,000 middle school students still face suspension from school this fall.
“We know that students’ summer schedules fill up quickly. This is one way students can plan their summer early so they don’t leave it until the last minute, risking possible suspension of school,” said Stephanie McCallum, Healthy Schools Program Manager.
WECHU reminds 7th grade students (this past school year) and all middle school students with missing immunizations to plan to get their shots as soon as possible.
In an effort to catch up with all students who have not received their 7th grade vaccines, catch-up immunization clinics are scheduled Monday through Friday at a number of community locations throughout the summer.
In addition, clinics are offered at WECHU offices in Windsor and Leamington. The catch-up clinic schedule is available online. Registration can be done online or by calling 519-258-2146 ext. 4500. Vaccination appointments are available for July and August.
Public health staff will be available to assess and update immunization records and/or administer hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal vaccines at each clinic.
“We encourage families to contact their child’s health care provider for other required vaccines and to update their child’s immunization record online by visiting immune.wechu.org,” McCullum said.
In early September, high school students who still have incomplete immunization records will receive a suspension warning, suspending them from school for up to 20 days.
More information about school immunization requirements and accessing or updating student immunization records can be found on the WECHU website.
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