By James Matthews

Parents of school-aged children have until Feb. 24 to submit updated vaccination records to the local public health unit.

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough public health unit is promoting the importance of submitting proof of immunization updates as a means to ensure against student suspensions from school.

Suspension could begin April 1.

The HKNP health unit was formerly called the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge health unit.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 11 are required to have up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption on file with the health unit.

Despite issuing over 1,500 first notices, the health unit has received just over 300 immunization updates. Parents and guardians are urged to act now and avoid any disruptions to their child’s education.

Suspension notices will be sent March 17 regarding students who remain non-compliant under the legislation.

Students with missing immunization records will be suspended from school April 1 until records are updated.

“It’s important for parents and guardians to report their child’s immunization updates directly to the health unit,” said Marianne Rock, the health unit’s health protection division manager.

“We do not automatically receive this information from family healthcare providers, so it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure the health unit is informed of any updates.”

There are a number of means available to help parents comply with the update request.

The public health unit has an online immunization update portal at hkpr.on.ca/immunization.

 Parents can phone the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 extension 1507 for guidance.

The health unit will be offering catch-up immunization clinics for families without a healthcare provider.