The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit urges parents and students to plan ahead to avoid suspension in September due to incomplete immunization records.
Some 13,000 high school students with incomplete immunization records received immunization notices in June. Since the notification letters were sent, approximately 1,000 high school students have received vaccinations and / or updated their records.
That means 12,000 high school students are still facing suspension this fall.
“We know that students’ summer schedules fill up quickly. This is one of the ways students can plan their summer early, so they won’t leave it until the last minute, risking a possible school suspension, ”said Stephanie McCallum, Program Manager. of Healthy Schools.
WECHU reminds 7th graders (last school year) and any high school students with missing immunizations, who plan to receive their immunizations as soon as possible.
In an effort to update all students who did not receive 7th grade vaccines, recovery immunization clinics are scheduled Monday through Friday at various locations throughout the community throughout the summer.
In addition, clinics are available at WECHU’s Windsor and Leamington offices. The schedule for the recovery vaccination clinic is available online. Appointments can be made online or by calling 519-258-2146 ext. 4500. Vaccination appointments are now available for July and August.
Public health personnel will be available to evaluate and update immunization records and / or administer vaccines against hepatitis B, HPV, and meningococcal disease at any of the clinics.
“We encourage families to contact their child’s health care provider to obtain other necessary vaccines and to update their child’s immunization record online by visiting immune.wechu.org,” McCullum said.
In early September, high school students who still have incomplete immunization records will receive a notice of suspension that will suspend them from school for up to 20 days.
More information on immunization requirements for the school and for accessing or updating student immunization records is available on the WECHU website.