With the new school year just around the corner, parents are being reminded to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines.
Jennifer Beaver, a public health nurse with Huron Perth Public Health’s immunization team, says students must be vaccinated against multiple diseases.
Beaver says vaccines help protect children from serious illnesses and also help prevent the spread of disease.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, families who do not have their child’s immunization records up to date could receive letters from the health unit. If the records are still not updated, students could eventually be suspended from school.
Families who choose not to vaccinate can apply for an exemption, but the proper paperwork must be on file with the health unit.
She noted the vaccines are very safe.
Parents can check their child’s vaccination records through the online ICON portal or by requesting a copy through the Huron Perth Public Health website. Families can also speak with their healthcare provider or contact the health unit for help.
The health unit also offers vaccines that are not required for school but can help protect families during the fall and winter, including flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia vaccines.
Public health nurses will also be visiting schools during the year to provide recommended and required Grade 7 vaccines. Consent forms will be sent home through schools.
Nurses will also visit secondary schools to provide tetanus booster shots.
Parents are encouraged to check their child’s vaccine records now, before the school year gets underway.
