PORT HOPE, ON (August 12, 2024) – As students gear up for the new school year, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new online Immunization Update Portal. The Portal is available at hkpr.on.ca/Immunization, offering a simple and convenient way for parents and guardians to upload their children’s immunization records directly to the Health Unit.

The Immunization Update Portal represents the HKPR District Health Unit’s ongoing commitment to facilitating the reporting of immunizations required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Since the Health Unit does not receive automatic updates from healthcare providers, this portal makes it easier for parents to ensure their child’s immunization records are current and compliant. This initiative is vital for maintaining accurate records and supporting the health and safety of our community, especially as children return to school.

“With the school year fast approaching, it's crucial that children are up to date with all their vaccinations. Ensuring all vaccinations are current is vital for the health of our community,” emphasizes Marianne Rock, Manager of the Health Protection Division at the HKPR District Health Unit. “We have gone from having over 6000 students overdue at the beginning of the 2023/24 school year to currently having just over 1500 students overdue under the ISPA in the district area. Keeping immunizations up to date not only protects your child but also supports overall community health.”

On August 7th, the Health Unit mailed 1,578 notices to inform parents that their child(ren) are overdue for vaccines required under ISPA. To support families without a family doctor, we are offering walk-in immunization clinics, appointments can be scheduled by visiting hkpr.on.ca/Immunization. Parents and guardians wishing to seek exemption from vaccination for their child are asked to visit the Health Unit’s website at hkpr.on.ca/Exemptions.

Parents and guardians are urged to act promptly to avoid disruptions to their child’s education. Ensuring immunizations are up to date not only protects your child but also helps prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in our community.

Walk-In Immunization Clinics:

To help parents and guardians keep their children’s immunizations up to date, especially those without a family doctor, the HKPR District Health Unit is offering several catch-up immunization clinics. Parents and guardians can now easily book appointments online:

• Monday August 26^th
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Location: HKPR District Health Unit Office, 200 Rose Glen Rd., Port Hope.
  
  
• Tuesday August 27^th
• Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Community Resource Centre, 65 Bridge St. E., Campbellford.
  
  
• Thursday August 29^th
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Location: HKPR District Health Unit Office, 108 Angeline St. E., Lindsay.
  
  
• Thursday, September 12^th
• Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: HKPR District Health Unit, 191 Highland St., Unit 301, Haliburton.

These clinics provide an excellent opportunity for students to receive any missed vaccinations, ensuring they meet the ISPA requirements.

How to Update Your Child’s Immunization Records:

The HKPR District Health Unit offers several convenient methods for updating your child’s immunization records:

• Online Immunization Update Portal: Visit the new Immunization Update Portal at hkpr.on.ca/Immunization to upload records quickly and easily.
• By Phone: 1-866-888-4577 x 1507
• By Fax: Send records to 905-885-5352

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the new Immunization Update Portal today to check and update their child’s immunization records. For more information or assistance, please contact the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 x 1507.

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