Peterborough Public Health Resuming Student Immunization Enforcement

Parents/Guardians Reminded to Update Student Immunization Records

In alignment with other health units across the province, starting January 11, 2023, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will begin enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

“Immunizations protect children from highly infectious viruses and bacteria that can lead to severe disease,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Ensuring that all students are immunized and records are reported to public health will keep children safe in the classroom and prevent or manage potential outbreaks of disease.”

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 OR have a valid exemption on file with public health.

Dr. Piggott explains, “Routine immunization opportunities resumed in 2022 after being paused due to the pandemic response. Starting in January, we are resuming enforcement of routine immunizations to ensure all students are compliant with ISPA and those who are not compliant may be at risk of school suspension. This will begin with the education of parents and guardians of students who are in Grade 3 and not up-to-date with their immunizations. The goal of our efforts is to support accessing vaccination, and getting our community protected. We have availability in our Routine Immunization Clinic to support those who do not have access to a health care provider.”

Immunization records can be found online at peterboroughpublichealth.ca. A valid Ontario health card is required to access the record of immunization. Parents and guardians may also ask their health care provider to fax immunization records to Peterborough Public Health. Children who are not up-to-date should book an appointment with a health care provider to receive a vaccine. Residents who do not have a local health care provider can book an appointment at Peterborough Public Health’s Routine Immunization Clinic by calling 705-743-1000 ext. 331.

Residents can learn more about the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA) and check how to update immunization records at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/immunization-clinics/

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Gill
Communications Team
705-743-1000, ext. 352