PORT HOPE, ON (December 1, 2022) –  The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is resuming its enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), after postponing enforcement in March 2020 due to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HKPR District Health Unit is required under the ISPA to collect and maintain up-to-date immunization records and valid exemptions for all children attending school in the region. All students between the ages of 4 to 17 must be vaccinated according to Ontario’s Immunization Schedule, which includes vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox) and meningococcal disease.

“We appreciate and 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,” says Marianne Rock, Manager of Health Protection with the HKPR District Health Unit. “We are here to support families by ensuring children receive the required vaccinations and immunization records are kept up to date to ensure the schools remain a safe space for all children.”

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:
   • Online using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) web site
   • Phone 1-866-888-4577 x 1507
   • Fax 905-885-5352
   • Email*: immunization@hkpr.on.ca
     *requires consent to be used to send personal and/or personal health information

The HKPR District Health Unit will be issuing first notices in January 2023 to parents and/or guardians of students who do not meet the ISPA requirements and second notices in March 2023. For more information, parents can call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 x 1507, email immunization@hkpr.on.ca or visit hkpr.on.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca or Maddie Forestell, Communications Officer, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1245, mforestell@hkpr.on.ca