Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is taking proactive measures to ensure local students' vaccination records are up to date, with a focus on preventing suspensions. The Health Unit has been working diligently since the summer to assist families in complying with the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), but many students still need to update their records. The ISPA mandates that Health Units maintain and review immunization records, and school boards enforce suspensions for students with incomplete vaccine information or overdue immunizations unless an exemption is granted. In mid-February, GBPH issued suspension notices to approximately 900 students whose records were still not in compliance. Monica Blair, Program Manager for Vaccine Preventable Diseases, emphasizes the importance of updated records, stating that they ensure students comply with ISPA and are not at risk of suspension. Additionally, protected students are less likely to be excluded from class during an outbreak, as they are shielded from vaccine-preventable diseases. To support this initiative, GBPH's Vaccine Preventable Diseases team will be hosting vaccine clinics in various Grey-Bruce communities throughout March, including during the March Break. For a comprehensive schedule of these clinics, visit the GBPH website at https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/About-Us/Event-Calendar.
