Grand Erie Public Health is issuing suspension notices to hundreds of students across the region due to incomplete immunization records, as part of ongoing enforcement under Ontario legislation.
Beginning March 31, the health unit confirmed that students born in 2009, 2017, and 2018 in Brantford, County of Brant, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County are affected by the latest round of notices under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.
The act requires students to have up-to-date immunization records on file with public health in order to attend school, with the goal of preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Public health officials say maintaining accurate records is a key component of keeping school communities safe.
Initially, 2,326 suspension notices were issued earlier this year.
However, through outreach efforts, communication campaigns, and expanded immunization clinics, 87.3 per cent of those suspensions have since been resolved.
That leaves 296 students facing suspension as of March 31.
Grand Erie Public Health says it continues to work with families to ensure students can return to class as quickly as possible.
Clinics are being offered throughout the region to help parents update records, access required vaccines, or submit valid exemptions where applicable.
In Brantford and surrounding areas, clinics are being held at Lynden Park Mall, while additional clinics are scheduled in Simcoe, Caledonia, and Dunnville to support families in Haldimand-Norfolk.
Both booked appointments and walk-ins are being accepted in many cases.
Officials stress that keeping immunizations up to date is not only a legal requirement, but also an important step in protecting vulnerable populations, including young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check their child’s immunization status and take advantage of the available clinics to avoid prolonged absences from school.
