The Middlesex-London Health Unit says up to 4,000 students could be suspended from school later this month if their immunization records aren’t updated.
According to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers, between 3,000 and 4,000 students in London and Middlesex County could be suspended on February 15 due to outstanding vaccination records. These children have either not received the mandatory immunizations, or, if they have been vaccinated, their records are out of date.
Per the Immunization of School Pupils Act, there are nine different antigens that children must be vaccinated for in order to attend school. The list of required immunizations includes hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, and measles, mumps, and rubella. Summers confirmed that the list of mandatory vaccines is the same as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For affected students, the Middlesex-London Health Unit will send a letter to parents and caregivers on February 15 letting them know the suspension date has arrived. Summers says the letter will provide information on how to schedule an appointment for overdue shots, as well as how to submit immunization records online or in-person.
Two weeks ahead of the suspension date, the health unit also shared key details via a thread on Twitter:
Have you received a letter from the #MLHU because your child’s immunization record is incomplete or out-of-date? 
#LdnOnt #Middlesex /1
— MLHealthUnit (@MLHealthUnit) February 1, 2023
Summers reassured that there are certain exceptions to school immunization requirements. Such cases include serious illness, allergies, or religious beliefs.
“As a reminder, this is all about mandatory reporting of your vaccination status,” Summers said. “For parents and guardians who don’t want to get their child vaccinated for whatever reason, there is an exemption process, but you have to walk through that exemption process. You have to make a decision to vaccinate or to not.”
“There’s lots of reasons to vaccinate though,” he added. “This is one of the most effective and safe ways to protect your kids and yourself from getting sick.”
More details on student immunization records and suspension notices are available on the health unit website.
