A total of 411 students across Grey and Bruce Counties have received suspension notices until they can provide proof of immunization to the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
If proof of immunization, or a valid exemption, is not provided, the suspension would take place. Parents who want an exemption for their child first need to complete an immunization education session with a Public Health Nurse.
“We haven’t seen a case of measles reported in Grey Bruce since 1996 and the last case of mumps was in 2001,” says Sarah Ellis, manager of the Grey Bruce Health Unit Vaccine Preventable Diseases program. “Robust student immunization rates help ensure a safe school environment and also protect others in our region who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons, such as infants and seriously sick or frail individuals.”
To assist families to get immunizations before the suspension deadline of March 26, Public Health is offering free walk-in clinics during March Break. The Owen Sound Clinic at 101 17th Street East, will be open Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with no appointment required.
Appointments can be made for the Walkerton clinic scheduled for March 14 located at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, at 21 McGivern St., by calling 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, press “2”.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students require proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, whooping cough, and – for children born in 2010 or later – chickenpox (Varicella). Parents can update immunization record by phone, fax, email or online.
Telephone: 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 Press "2"
Fax: 519-376-7782
Email: immunization@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
On-Line: https://gbhu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome