Approximately 2,200 children have updated their overdue vaccinations since the impact of COVID-19

PORT HOPE, ON (July 11, 2023) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is pleased to announce its continued progress on the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) to ensure children who attend school are up-to-date with their vaccinations or have a valid exemption on file with the Health Unit.

Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the HKPR District Health Unit acknowledges that many children are behind on routine immunizations. Throughout the 2022-23 school year, the HKPR District Health Unit worked towards addressing this issue by mailing out notices to parents of students who were overdue for immunizations according to their records on file and educating parents and/or guardians on the importance of updating their child’s vaccination records with the Health Unit. This approach has led to approximately 2,200 immunization records being updated since the fall of 2022.

“I am very proud of the great work our teams have accomplished however there are still many students who are overdue for immunizations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Marianne Rock, Manager of Health Protection for the HKPR District Health Unit. “We will be continuing to work throughout the summer months to help students and families get ahead of the 2023-24 school year.”

In July, the HKPR District Health Unit will be mailing approximately 6,600 notices to parents of students who do not meet the ISPA requirements. This means the HKPR District Health Unit either does not have up-to-date immunization information or a valid exemption for these students. Parents are encouraged to ensure their child’s immunization record is up to date with the Health Unit or book an appointment with their family doctor, or the Health Unit if they don’t have a family doctor, to get the vaccinations required to avoid suspension in the 2023-2024 school year.

“We are here to support families throughout the summer by reminding and helping parents catch up before school resumes in September,” said Marianne Rock. “I also want to thank those parents who have already taken steps to update their child’s immunization records or ensured a valid exemption is on file with the Health Unit.”

How to Ensure Your Child’s Immunization Records are Updated
Parents and/or guardians need to ensure their child’s immunization records are up to date by:

  1. CHECK: Check your child’s immunization record for any missing vaccines.
    Go to the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) web site
  2. VACCINATE: Ensure your child receives any missing vaccinations.
    Contact your health care provider or the Health Unit to get any missing vaccines or a valid exemption.
  3. UPDATE: Update your child’s immunization record with the Health Unit.
    It is the responsibility of parents and/or guardians to provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption to the Health Unit by one of the following methods:

Additional Information:

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Media Contacts:

Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577 x 1212 or Marianne Rock, Manager of Communicable Disease Prevention, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1486

About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.