Lambton Public Health says hundreds of students in Lambton County could be suspended from school if their immunization records are not updated.
As of 2 p.m. on Monday, about 513 elementary and secondary students still had incomplete vaccination records under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Those students may face suspension as of yesterday if the records are not updated.
Parents and guardians must report their child’s immunizations or provide a valid exemption to Lambton Public Health. Required vaccinations include protection against diseases such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal disease, and Chickenpox.
Health officials remind families that doctors and health care providers do not automatically send vaccination records to public health. This means a child could still be flagged for suspension even if they are fully vaccinated, unless the information has been reported.
Parents can submit their child’s records online, by phone, or in person at the Lambton Public Health office in Point Edward.
If a child still needs a vaccine, families are encouraged to book an appointment with their health care provider and notify Lambton Public Health of the appointment date.
Public health officials say the number of students at risk of suspension this year is similar to what was seen last year. They also warn that phone lines may be busier than usual this week as families work to update their records.
Written by: K. Milhomens