GUELPH – The deadline to update immunization records with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is 4pm on March 6 – or your child could face suspension.
Marlene Jantzi-Bauman, WDGPH manager of vaccine preventable diseases, understands that it may sound heavy-handed, but the information is vital to the agency in the event of an outbreak.
“It helps us understand what the protection levels are,” Jantzi-Bauman said in an interview. “When we know who is not immunized, we know who is at risk if there’s an outbreak.”
Jantzi-Bauman said parents are obliged to have their children vaccinated against nine childhood diseases, but they can be exempt for medical reasons or for matters of conscience or religious belief.
Jantzi-Bauman said there’s no discussion or debate with public health staff – the health unit is only interested in keeping their records up to date.
She said a total 1,746 letters went out in the catchment area – 435 in Wellington County – and she expects some 500 students may be suspended.
“That’s pretty typical,” she said. “Most are back to school within three days.”
Suspensions begin March 11 and could be as long as 20 days if parents don’t comply.
“We don’t like to do it,” she said. “Some people just need that push.”
Immunization records can be updated online at immunizewdg.ca with a health card and postal code.
Alternatively, parents can call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4396 or visit https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-kids/vaccination, for more information about vaccinations in general.
