Thunder Bay’s health unit is getting ready to send out notices to warn of potential suspensions for students with incomplete or not up-to-date vaccine records.
Each year the health unit sends out notices for students who are not protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This is required under law through the Immunization of School Pupils Act (IPSA)
Students who do not meet the requirements of the IPSA could face a 20-day school suspension.
Mailed-out notices will be sent before the official deadline to give families time to update records.
The health unit is reviewing records so they can contact the guardians of students missing vaccines or information.
Vaccination clinics will be available.
For the 2024/2025 school year the following dates are when the first notices are being sent out for required vaccinations:
- High schools in Thunder Bay – First notices being mailed on January 31 – Includes:
- École Secondaire Catholique de la Verendrye
- Hammarskjold
- Westgate
- St. Ignatius
- St. Patrick
- Superior CVI
- Thunder Bay Christian
- Senior Kindergarten to grade eight in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities – First notices being mailed on February 14
All mailed communications will include important dates and steps to avoid suspension from school.
“Our immunization team is committed to the health and wellness of all students and is available to support families to meet the requirements of ISPA,” says Vaccine Program Manager, Laura Dennis. “Families who face barriers to ISPA compliance are encouraged to contact TBDHU at 807-625-5908 or their nearest branch office.”
The health unit is encouraging parents or guardians to submit vaccine records when their student receives a vaccine from a community health care provider to ensure it is added to the student’s provincial vaccine record.
Unless submitted by a parent or guardian, the health unit only has records of the vaccines it has administered.
Not all healthcare providers routinely report vaccines to the health unit.
