More than 1,000 students in Oxford County could be at risk of a school suspension as their immunization records are not up to date.
Calling it a record number, Oxford County Public Health says parents have two weeks to get their children vaccinated or update their records, or their kids may be turned away from school.
Notices were initially sent to parents whose children had outstanding immunization records in December.
To comply with the Immunization of School Pupils Act, an order of suspension from school was sent out this week, asking parents to provide health officials an updated record, or make arrangements to have their child immunized if vaccinations are needed.
The act applies to children ages 4 to17.
The deadline to comply is February 19.
“We understand that parents with school age children have very busy schedules. That’s why we are trying to make it as convenient as possible for parents to provide us with their children’s vaccination records, or make arrangements to get their vaccinations,” says Joanne Andrews, Oxford’s program supervisor in health protection.
To deal with the unprecedented number of notices sent out, the health unit is making nurses available after hours to answer questions.
Parents and guardians can call Feb. 5, 10, 12 and 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to 519-539-9800 ext. 3600.
Starting this school year, children are required to have proof of immunization against meningococcal disease, whooping cough and chickenpox (for those born in 2010 or later) to attend school.
Other vaccinations required are whooping cough, chickenpox, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, polio, mumps and measles.
