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Thousands of kids in region set for March suspensions over immunization records: Waterloo Public Health

Thousands of Waterloo region children with incomplete or missing immunization data may be suspended from attending school if their immunization records are not up to date.
Thousands of Waterloo region children with incomplete or missing immunization data may be suspended from attending school if their immunization records are not up to date. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chuck Stoody

Region of Waterloo Public Health is sending out suspension notices to the parents of over 6,000 kids who do not have up-to-date immunization records.

Parents have just over a month to get their immunization records up to date as suspensions will begin on March 27.

Caregivers that do receive the suspension notices have until March 26 to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption to Public Health or the child could be suspended for up to 20 days.  The agency says that the info can be provided via phone, fax or online.

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Students are required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (for those born after 2010) and meningococcal disease.

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Public Health is required to collect, review and maintain the immunization records of all students attending school in Waterloo Region.

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“Enforcing the law ensures children and our community are protected against vaccine preventable diseases,” David Aoki, Manager Vaccine Preventable Disease, said in a statement. “Parents need to provide proof of immunization or an exemption directly to Public Health.”

The agency said it sent 9,595 notices to parents in the fall but 6,129 have failed to comply.

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