Parents/Guardians Urged to Update Immunization Records to Avoid School Suspensions
February 24 Deadline Approaching: Submit Immunization Updates Now
PORT HOPE, ON (January 30, 2025) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is reminding parents and guardians that failure to update their child’s immunization records could result in school suspension beginning April 1, 2025.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students from Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 11 (birth years 2008–2020) are required to have up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption on file with the health unit. Despite issuing over 1,500 first notices, the health unit has received just over 300 immunization updates. Parents/Guardians are urged to act now and avoid any disruptions to their child’s education.
Key Deadlines
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February 24, 2025: Deadline for parents to submit immunization updates to the Health Unit in response to the first notice.
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March 17, 2025: Suspension notices will be sent to students who remain non-compliant under ISPA.
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April 1, 2025: Students with missing immunization records will be suspended from school until records are updated.
“It’s important for parents and guardians to report their child’s immunization updates directly to the health unit,” says Marianne Rock, Manager of the Health Protection Division at the HKPR District Health Unit. “We do not automatically receive this information from family healthcare providers, so it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure the health unit is informed of any updates.”
How to Update Immunization Records
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Use the Online Portal: The HKPR District Health Unit offers a convenient Immunization Update Portal at hkpr.on.ca/Immunization for fast and easy record submissions.
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Call for Assistance: Parents can contact the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 x 1507 for guidance.
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Attend an Immunization Clinic: The health unit will be offering catch-up immunization clinics for families without a healthcare provider. Visit hkpr.on.ca for clinic dates and locations.
These efforts are supported by local school boards, including Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB), and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB).
For more information, visit hkpr.on.ca/Immunization or call 1-866-888-4577 x 1507.
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Media Contacts: Ashley Beaulac, Communications Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577 x 1212 or Marianne Rock, Manager of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, 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.