The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding parents to ensure their children’s immunizations are up to date for the upcoming school year.
“End of summer is the perfect time to check in with your child’s health care provider,” says Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health with SMDHU. “It’s a chance to make sure they’re up to date on vaccines before the school year gets busy. Getting caught up now means one less thing to worry about in September and a safer, healthier return to school.”
According to officials, letters were mailed in May to high school students entering Grades 11 and 12 whose immunization records on file at the health unit are not up to date.
Officials said high school students who are not up to date on their immunizations will be mailed suspension orders later this month, with suspension effective on September 23.
In addition, officials said students entering grades two and three who received reminder letters for missing immunizations at the end of the last school year will have their records reviewed again, with suspensions to be enforced in February.
“Routine immunizations do more than protect your child, they help keep entire classrooms and communities healthy,” said Dr. Lee. “Making sure your child is up to date gives you peace of mind and helps prevent the spread of avoidable diseases, like measles, mumps and whooping cough.
Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization record online at smdhu.org. Families without a health care provider can book immunization appointments at one of the health unit’s local offices in Gravenhurst or Huntsville.
