Suspension notices have gone out for 411 students across Grey Bruce requiring parents to provide proof of immunization for their child. Students may face suspension if proof of immunization or a valid exemption is not provided. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students require proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, whooping cough, and – for children born in 2010 or later – chickenpox (Varicella).

“We haven’t seen a case of measles reported in Grey Bruce since 1996 and the last case of mumps was in 2001.” says Sarah Ellis, Manager of the Grey Bruce Health Unit Vaccine Preventable Diseases program. “Robust student immunization rates help ensure a safe school environment and also protect others in our region who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons, such as infants and seriously sick or frail individuals.”

To assist families to get immunizations before the suspension deadline of March 26, Public Health is offering free walk-in clinics during March Break. The Owen Sound Clinic located at 101 17th Street East, will be open Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, no appointment required. Appointments can be made for the Walkerton clinic scheduled for March 14 located at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, 21 McGivern St., by calling 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, press “2”.

Parents are responsible for reporting their child’s immunizations to Public Health. Parents need to complete an immunization education session with a Public Health Nurse if they choose to exempt their child from required immunizations for non-medical reasons.

Parents who receive notices should submit their child’s immunization information to the Grey Bruce Health Unit by phone, fax, email or online.

Telephone: 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 Press "2"
Fax: 519-376-7782
Email: [email protected]
On-Line: https://gbhu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome

source: media release, GBHU