The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit (CKPHU) has made significant progress in clearing up a large number of suspended students who didn't have their immunization records updated.
Caress Lee Carpenter, with CKPHU Communications, told CK News Today the list of 1,535 students initially suspended is down to 380 students. By comparison, in March of 2020 the health unit reported the number of students who needed shots started at roughly 900 and finished at 87 students suspended.
Carpenter said CK public health nurses are now calling parents whose children are still overdue for the shots.
"As of this morning [Monday] we were entirely caught up on all inboxes (voicemails, emails, etc.)," said Carpenter. "Last week, we held clinics daily, not all of them were full."
By law, students must have proof of immunization against the following designated diseases, unless they have a valid exemption, such as a medical reason or due to conscience or religious belief:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Polio
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- Meningococcal Disease
- Varicella (Chickenpox) for children born in 2010 or later
To book an appointment at an immunization clinic call 519-352-7270, extension 2457.
The health unit issued a plea in early March for parents and guardians to please be patient because they were working feverishly to get caught up.
"Please be kind as we are working very hard to get all student records up to date, in the order we receive them, so that they can return to school as soon as possible," read the March 7, 2023 tweet.
On March 2, 2023, CK Public Health said it was experiencing a "very high volume of calls" and staff was working hard to return the calls as soon as they were able.
The deadline to report immunizations was March 7, 2023.
Students who are not up to date with their immunization are suspended from school and sent home until they get their shots and their immunization records are caught up.
Program Manager for the School Health Team Carina Caryn previously reported the pandemic caused a lot of students to fall behind on their immunizations and that for many students it was just a paperwork and reporting issue.
To report child immunizations, you can visit www.chatham-kent.ca/vaccinations, email reportshots@chatham-kent.ca, fax 519-436-3214, or call 519-352-7270, extension 2457.