News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         April 23, 2009

Students to be Suspended Under Immunizations of School Pupils Act

The second round of suspensions begins on Tuesday, April 28 for secondary students and some elementary students whose records of immunization are not complete. The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires documentation of immunization or an exemption form filed with Public Health. There are approximately 150 students still outstanding for immunization although some are in the process of getting vaccinated this week or next.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit maintains 25,000 immunization records for all students in schools and licensed daycares in the two counties. Parents are to notify Public Health when their child receives immunization at a doctor’s office or clinic. Families should maintain an up-to-date yellow card recording their child’s immunization dates and the vaccines administered. Students must have complete diphtheria, tetanus, polio (DPTP) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Students with incomplete immunization are at risk of contracting and spreading these diseases.

The immunization coverage rate in Grey Bruce is 94-95%.

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For more information:
Jody Kreoplin
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1323