Time is ticking on immunization updates

Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, LJI

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is urging parents to update their children's immunization information to avoid the risk of suspension.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reminds parents of a Feb. 24 deadline to submit their children's immunization records to avoid the risk of suspension on April 1.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, all students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 11 (birth years 2008 to 2020) are required to have up-to-date immunization records of a valid exemption to file with the health unit. In spite of more than 1,500 first notices issued, the health unit has received about 300 immunization updates.

It is important for parents to report these updates directly to the health unit, Health Protection Division Manager Marianne Rock said in the press release.

“We do not automatically receive this information from family health-care providers, so it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure the health unit is informed of any updates.”

To update immunization records, you can visit hkpr.on.ca/Immunization for fast and easy submissions, or call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507 for guidance. You can also visit hkpr.on.ca for information on catch-up immunization clinics the health unit will be offering for families without a health-care provider.

Failing an update, suspension notices will be sent to students who remain noncompliant under the legislation on March 7 prior to suspensions in April.

These efforts are supported by local school boards, including the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington District School Board.