Press Release
March 25 , 2008
Parents reminded to update student immunization records
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Response has been strong to the mail campaign reminding parents to make sure their high school aged children’s immunization records are up to date.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit sent the letters out as part of an annual program to update all student immunization records, as required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).
The act requires parents to provide the health unit with proof of completed immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polio — or with the appropriate documentation if they choose not to have their child immunized.
If records aren’t provided, students could face suspension until the information is complete. This year, suspensions will come into effect on April 1.
“These records are vital in the event that any of the listed diseases breaks out in a school population,” says Laurie Stanford, the manager of vaccine preventable disease programs at the health unit. “With them, we know which students are not vaccinated and should be taking measures to avoid becoming infected.”
Stanford added there’s a secondary benefit to the campaign: immunization rates jump when the letters go out.
“It serves as a reminder for students who haven’t had their most recent immunizations,” she explained. “And that is added protection for the students and the community at large.”
The reminder letters were mailed out the last week of January, and health unit staff noted an immediate increase in calls from parents and students. Immunization clinics were set up in secondary schools through February to offer vaccines to students.
Immunization records are normally kept on yellow cards available through the health unit or personal health care providers.
For more information on vaccines and student immunization, visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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