More than 2,900 elementary students in Waterloo region suspended for out-of-date vaccine records

More than 2,900 elementary students in Waterloo region were suspended from school Wednesday because their vaccination records are not up to date.

Region of Waterloo Public Health says the records must be updated under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. They must show proof of vaccination fordiphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) and meningitis or have a valid exemption on file with public health.

On Wednesday, 2,969 elementary students were suspended. That is down from the original 27,567 notices sent to students and their families in November and December of 2023 indicating they had to update their records.

Public health said the last time the Immunization of School Pupils Act was enforced in Waterloo region was in 2019 with approximately 1,032 students suspended at that time.

Secondary students in the region may face suspension starting May 1.

Earlier this month, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said more than 1,400 elementary students faced suspension over incomplete vaccination records. On Wednesday, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported 187 students remain out of school.

Options to get students back in class

David Aoki, the region'sdirector of infectious disease and chief nursing officer, told CBC News Wednesday that if appointments are made now for students to get their vaccines, then students could potentially return to class.

"If a parent makes an appointment today with their family doctor for next week,or two weeks is the earliest time they can get with their family doctor,they come in and they give us the dates of those. Wedo have to do it in person, but we will then provide a slip to get the child back into school," he said.

"I know it's anxiety, a lot of anxiety and nervousness for parents and no one wants to suspend," Aoki added.

"Our goals are aligned with parents let's get the kids back in school as soon as possible. So that's really what today looks like. We're busy. We're open. We're dealing with lots of people and trying to to get as many kids back as quickly as possible."

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang is the region's medical officer of health told a board of health meeting last week that cases of measles are on the rise in the province, although there have not been any cases reported in Waterloo region.

She said in the weeks after March break travel, "we are expecting more cases to be identified."

Booking appointments

For students who have been suspended, public health says they must book an in-person appointment to get their vaccines. That can be booked through the region's website to attend a regional clinic or with a family's doctor's office.

Regional clinics will be held between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at:

• 99 Regina St. S. inWaterloo.
• 30 Christopher Dr. inCambridge.

Appointment booking will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

"Given the high number of suspensions, it may take several days before you can be seen at an appointment and return your child to school," public health said in a release Wednesday morning.

"Record submission and questions must be done in person to ensure immediate resolution."