Algoma Public Health urges parents to get kids' immunizations up to date

Algoma Public Health is working with parents and guardians to ensure that children attending school in the Sault and Algoma District meet immunization requirements under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Approximately 6,000 students in the Sault and Algoma District may be missing school immunizations or have not updated Algoma Public Health with their current vaccine records, APH has announced through a social media post.

Parents or guardians who receive a letter from APH regarding their child’s overdue immunization are asked to take time to update their records or schedule an immunization.

The vaccines that are mandatory for school attendance in Ontario under The Immunization of School Pupils Act are for:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio (available in a combination vaccine)
• Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (available in a combination vaccine)
• Meningococcal disease (12 months to 12 years of age)
• Varicella (for children born in 2010 or later)

Parents with children who require a vaccine have three options:

1. If you have a healthcare provider, please make an appointment directly with them for the required vaccine(s). After the appointment, please submit the vaccination record to APH. You can send a photo of their vaccine record to APH by email. Ensure the email message includes your child’s full name and date of birth.
2. If you do not have a healthcare provider, please visit a local walk-in clinic.
3. Call the APH Immunization phone line at 705-759-5409 or Toll Free: 1-866-892-0172, ext. 5409

It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to report their child’s immunizations to Algoma Public Health. 

Although some health care providers’ offices do report children’s immunizations, they are not required to do so.

Under Ontario’s legislation, students can be suspended from school if they do not have all the required vaccinations but parents can apply for exemptions for their children for medical or religious reasons. 

More information on immunization for children in Ontario can be found on the APH website.