News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     August 26, 2009

Ninety-Five Per Cent of Students Immunized in Grey Bruce

Most Grey Bruce students are immunized-ready for school. The Immunization and School Pupils Act requires students attending private, elementary or secondary schools to be immunized for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Public Health statistics from the 2008-09 school year show 95% of Grey Bruce students have immunization against these deadly diseases.

“These coverage rates are very positive. High immunization rates are important to keep our community healthy and free from disease. ” says Jody Kroeplin, Public Health Nurse on the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team at the Grey Bruce Health Unit. “Every year we work in partnership with the schools and parents to ensure disease is not part of the school year.”

Before school starts in September, parents are asked to review their child’s immunization records to ensure they are up-to-date based on their age, according to the Ontario immunization schedule. Call Public Health if you are unsure of your child’s immunization. Public Health maintain immunization records for approximately 25,000 student across Grey Bruce.

Parents are to inform Public Health every time their child receives immunizations, even if they are given at their physician or nurse practitioners’ office.

Parents have a responsibility to keep their children protected from disease through safe, effective vaccinations. Keep our community healthy…Vaccinate!

For further information on immunization, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or

1-800-263-3456 and speak with a nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program, or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Jody Kroeplin R.N., B.Sc.N.

Public Health Nurse

Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1323