Grand Erie Public Health issues suspension notices for unvaccinated students

Suspension notices have been issued by Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) for students with incomplete immunization records.

As of March 31 under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), suspension notices have been issued for students in Brantford, County of Brant, Haldimand County and Norfolk County born in 2009, 2017 and 2018.

GEPH says the goal of ISPA in schools across Ontario is to protect the health of children through routine immunizations. Doing so helps prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools.

A release from GEPH says, “under the act, students are required to update their immunization records with public health to attend school.”

In January, 2,326 suspension notices were issued to students with incomplete immunization records. Today, 296 students are facing suspension due to incomplete immunization documentation.

GEPH will be offering clinics across the region to support suspended students with updating their immunization records, administering required vaccines and providing valid exemptions so students can return to school as quickly as possible.

For students in Brantford-Brant, GEPH will be at Lynden Park Mall, Entrance #3, 84 Lynden Rd. to provide catch-up immunizations on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 31: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 1: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday April 2: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Parents in Brantford-Brant can book appointments for their child by calling 519-753-4937, ext. 451. Drop-in appointments are also welcome.

Students in Haldimand-Norfolk will be able to get their vaccines at the following sites and dates:

Grand Erie Public Health, 185 Robinson St., Simcoe:

• Tuesday, March 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 7: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grand Erie Public Health, 100 Haddington St., Caledonia:

• Wednesday, April 1: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Haldimand County Public Library, 317 Chestnut St., Dunnville:

• Thursday, April 2: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Parents in Haldimand-Norfolk can book appointments online.

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