Local elementary students with out-of-date immunization records face suspension as of this week if their records or exemptions have still not been reported, Lambton Public Health (LPH) says.
Last month, suspension orders were issued for hundreds of local students with out-of-date immunization records, the health unit reported, pointing to the requirements of the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990 (ISPA).
“Since the beginning of the new year, 4,442 students have been removed from the suspension list,” LPH said in a news release. “As of Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1,117 elementary aged students remain on the suspension list for Tuesday, March 5, while 640 high school aged students are at risk of suspension on Tuesday, March 26 if their records or a valid exemption are not reported.”
Parents/guardians are encouraged to call LPH’s Vaccine Call Centre at 226-254-8222 to report up-to-date immunizations or exemptions, with more information and options available on GetTheVaccine.ca.
“ISPA was last enforced in Lambton in 2020 while LPH responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. With enforcement resuming, there are increased numbers of immunization reports to catch-up on,” the health unit added. “In 2020, LPH issued 2,614 first notices and 1,798 suspension orders, compared with 6,199 and 3,497, respectively, in 2024.
In response, LPH has bolstered its Vaccine Call Centre capacity to accommodate increased demand and has supported more than 3,000 callers since January 1, with an additional 4,700 accessing GetTheVaccine.ca for support, LPH added.
“It has been a collaborative effort with local school boards, health care providers, and working diligently with parents and guardians to ensure up-to-date immunization records are reported,” said Crystal Palleschi, Health Protection Supervisor. “Through this entire process we have kept our focus on the shared goal of keeping as many students in school as possible and ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for all attending.”
For more information or assistance, please call Lambton Public Health at 226-254-8222 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839.
"We are anticipating a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to service clients as quickly as possible."