Ottawa Resumes Suspensions for Students with Overdue Vaccine Records After Two-Year Hiatus

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has announced that it will resume suspensions for students with outdated vaccination records after a two-year break. This enforcement targets students born in 2007 and 2017, who may face suspensions of up to 20 days if their immunization records are not updated.

A recent report presented to the Ottawa Board of Health highlights that approximately 14,500 students—nearly two-thirds of children in these age groups—are behind on their immunization schedules. OPH will begin sending notices to families in December, advising them on how to update their records and ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations. If these records are not corrected, suspension notices will follow in the new year.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 17% of Ottawa students started the school year with overdue records, with that number dropping to 5% by year’s end due to reminders and public health interventions. In stark contrast, 66% of students aged 7 and 17 were found to have overdue records last year, and despite increased efforts, that number only fell to 38% by the end of the school year.

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, explained the importance of maintaining updated vaccination records. “Accurate immunization records are essential for identifying children at risk during potential outbreaks,” she said. “Our goal with immunization surveillance is to maintain population-level coverage rates that protect individuals and the broader school communities.”

According to Ontario’s immunization requirements, all students must be vaccinated against several serious diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and tetanus. These vaccinations are crucial for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.

Ensuring Your Child’s Immunizations Are Up to Date

Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization record and ensure it is current. If you need to update your child’s vaccinations, Orleans Family Health Clinic is here to help. Make an appointment with one of our physicians to catch up on required vaccinations and discuss other highly recommended immunizations that may not be mandatory for school attendance but are equally important for your child’s long-term health.

By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your child is fully protected and compliant with Ontario’s public health guidelines.

Disclaimer
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer

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