THUNDER BAY — The district health unit is cautioning area families that, without an up-to-date vaccine record, students may be suspended.
TBDHU announced Monday it has begun the annual process of enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which provides for a 20-day suspension.
It will be mailing notices well ahead of deadines to give families time to update vaccine records and avoid losing time in class.
With the exception of approved exemptions for special circumstances, students are required to be vaccinated against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal disease
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella (chickenpox) for children born in 2010 or later
For the 2024/2025 school year, enforcement of the legislation across the District of Thunder Bay will be staggered as follows:
- Grade 9 to 12 high school students in Thunder Bay – First notices will be mailed by Jan. 31 to parents or guardians of students with incomplete records
- SK to Grade 8 in schools in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities – First notices will be mailed by Feb. 14 to parents or guardians of students with incomplete records
- SK to Grade 12 students in Nipigon/Red Rock/Dorion, Terrace Bay/Schreiber, Marathon, Manitouwadge and Greenstone – First notices will be sent to parents or guardians in the spring. More information will be provided closer to that time.
All mailed communications will include important dates and steps to take to avoid suspension from school.
Last year, the health unit mailed 2,900 "first notice" letters to parents or guardians for incomplete vaccine records.
In 536 cases, suspensions were subsequently imposed.
"Our immunization team is committed to the health and wellness of all students and is available to support families to meet the requirements of the ISPA," said Laura Dennis, vaccine program manager for the TBDHU.
Dennis said families who face barriers to ISPA compliance are encouraged to contact TBDHU at 807-625-5908 or their nearest branch office.
Children may be exempted from immunization for medical reasons or due to conscience or religious beliefs.
