Are your child’s shots up to date?
The Wellington-Duferin-Guelph Public Health unit (WDGPH) is sending letters to students who have incomplete immunization records. The letter asks parents or students over the age of 16 to confirm with public health if they have had the required shots.
Students who do not update their immunization records with the required shots, will be suspended from school.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, WDGPH must keep immunization records of all students in the region.
“We send out the letters to update immunizations every year at this time,” said Susan Otten, manager of the School Health Program.
“When a child gets a shot at their doctor’s office, the parent is responsible for letting us know so we can update our records. For high school students it’s usually just a matter of a booster shot for diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
You can update your child’s immunization records with WDGPH by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4652, faxing 519-836-7215 or emailing info@wdghu.org.
Check your child’s yellow immunization card or go to our website at www.wdghu.org for the shots they need.
If you choose not to have your child vaccinated, you must have a notarized exemption form on file with public health. Your child can be exempt if you object to immunization based on your medical or religious beliefs. Be sure to keep a copy of your child’s exemption form.
Beginning March 3, WDGPH will offer catch-up clinics at each of the local high schools.
