On Thursday morning, 704 secondary school students in Waterloo Region were suspended because of out-of-date vaccination records.
Public Health handed out those suspensions under the Immunization of School Pupils Act to protect the student population from preventable diseases.
“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious illness,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health for the Region of Waterloo. “Reporting your child’s vaccines and keeping them up to date helps to protect your child and the community from preventable illnesses.”
In December, public health mailed out 4,385 requests for vaccination records, and a further 3,258 letters in March, warning of possible suspensions starting April 9.
According to Public Health, those vaccinations give protection against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis, whooping cough and chickenpox.
Last year, more than 900 secondary school students were suspended because of out-of-date records.
Once those records are updated, vaccines are given, or exemptions are made known, students will be able to return to class.
Vaccine appointments can be booked through Public Health or your health care provider. Call 519-575-4400 to get in touch with an official from Public Health to book an appointment.
