Update Your Child’s Vaccines and Records

Hamilton, Ontario October 26, 2015 – Hamilton Public Health Services is reminding parents that children may be at risk of suspension from school if their vaccine record is not up to date. The law requires that children get vaccines to protect against meningococcal infection, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (for children born in 2010 or later), tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis and diphtheria. These vaccines are available free of charge.

This school year, Public Health Services will screen over 11,000 vaccine records for 7 and 17 year olds, with the goal of screening all Hamilton area students by 2016-2017. Letters warning of suspensions for incomplete records will be mailed out throughout the school year beginning this month. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their child’s records are up to date by contacting Public Health Services to report their child’s vaccinations. A valid exemption form is required for children who are unable to be vaccinated. Parents unsure of their child’s immunizations should make an appointment with their health care provider to review and update their child’s vaccine record.

Updated vaccine records can be faxed to 905-546-4841 or mailed to Hamilton Public Health Services, Vaccine Program, P.O. Box 897, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3P6. To report your child’s vaccine information or to inquire about your child’s record, call Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-540-5250.

Public Health Services will be launching a communication campaign to inform parents of this legal requirement. For more information, visit hamilton.ca/vaccines.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Julie Emili

Associate Medical Officer of Health

Hamilton Public Health Services

905-546-2424 ext. 2169