Chatham-Kent (CK) Public Health is reporting great progress in student vaccinations and updated immunization records.
An information report to the Board of Health shows that 193 students were suspended on March 10 due to incomplete immunization records, the lowest number of suspensions since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
CK Public Health issued 1,734 first notices to parents and guardians of students with incomplete immunization records in January and 1,290 suspension orders in February.
Jacquie Cartwright, CK Public Health Public Relations Officer, told CK News Today the number of students suspended this year due to incomplete immunization records is "consistent" with levels typically seen before the pandemic, adding that families are finally getting around to completing their vaccination records.
"This marks the fourth year we have completed the ISPA (Immunization of School Pupils Act) process since it was disrupted by the pandemic. We believe this trend reflects the time required to fully re‑engage families in the process and for parents who missed reporting during the pandemic to get caught up," said Cartwright.
In January, CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai told the Board that immunization records are not automatically shared with the health unit by healthcare providers, and parents may receive a notice even if their child is fully vaccinated.
Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act, students are required to be vaccinated against or have a valid exemption for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis), and Varicella (Chicken Pox).
Nesathurai previously said there are 16,000 students across Chatham-Kent.
