Threat of suspension looms for local high school students with incomplete immunization records

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is urging all Grade 11 and 12 students to submit up-to-date immunization information before the Sept. 23 deadline, to avoid suspension from school.

According to health officials, there are currently approximately 3,700 outstanding immunization records across Simcoe Muskoka.

“We understand that a school suspension can be highly disruptive for students and their families, which is why we’re urging students and their parents or guardians to take immediate action and update their vaccination status before the Sept. 23 deadline,” says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health at SMDHU. “Ensuring immunizations are up to date offers the best protection against serious vaccine-preventable diseases and helps reduce the risk of outbreaks in schools.”

Officials said letters were mailed to high school students born in 2008 and 2009 in May to inform them that their immunization records were not up to date.

Students with incomplete immunization records have been mailed suspension notices, which according to officials, will take effect on Sep. 23, if the required information is not submitted by that date.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, public health units must have either an up-to-date immunization record, a medical exemption for students who cannot be vaccinated or an affidavit for students whose families are choosing not to vaccinate on file for all students.