The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is celebrating a significant public health achievement, reporting a 98.7 percent vaccination rate among elementary school students in the region. This marks a notable increase from the 93.1 percent rate recorded in January, demonstrating substantial progress in immunization compliance.
School Suspensions for Incomplete Records
Despite this high vaccination rate, 588 elementary students are currently facing school suspension due to incomplete immunization records. This action is being taken in accordance with Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act, which mandates that public health units maintain and review immunization records for all students attending school in the province.
The legislation requires enforcement of school suspension for students whose immunization records are not complete. Suspended students may return to school once they have received required missing immunizations or provided the necessary records to the health unit.
How Families Can Update Records
Families have several options for updating immunization information:
- Contact healthcare providers for both immunizations and records
- Ask healthcare providers to submit updated records directly to the health unit
- Submit records online at immune.wechu.org, where proof of immunization must be provided as an attachment
Walk-in immunization services are also available at the health unit's offices in both Windsor and Leamington for families needing immediate assistance.
Secondary School Deadline Approaching
For secondary school students, the deadline to update immunization records with the health unit is March 27 at 6 p.m. Any secondary student whose records are not updated by this deadline will face school suspension effective March 31.
The health unit encourages families to act promptly to avoid disruption to their children's education. For more detailed information about school immunization requirements and the suspension process, families can visit the health unit's website at wechu.org. Under the "Your Health" tab, select "Immunization" for comprehensive resources and guidance.
This achievement reflects the community's commitment to public health and student wellbeing, though work remains to ensure all students have complete immunization records on file.
