Local students have high immunization rates compared to provincial average

The Public Health Ontario’s Immunization Coverage Report for School Pupils found that, for the 2018 to 2019 school year, students in the KFL&A area exceeded provincial averages for immunizations across the province.

According to a release from KFL&A Public Health, dated Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2020, over ninety-five (95.4) percent of eligible 7-year olds in KFL&A were up to date with all immunizations required for school attendance. This was the highest recorded immunization coverage for this age group in the province. As well, eighty four point seven (84.7) percent of 17-year olds in the KFL&A area were up to date with all immunizations, was well above the provincial average of seventy two point three (72.3) percent.

“We want to acknowledge and thank our community for this achievement, especially the incredible support that we have seen from our primary care providers in the area who predominantly administer these vaccines,“ said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health.  “Without this support we would not achieve and maintain high immunization coverage in our area which is essential for the effective prevention and control of vaccine preventable disease.”

Every year KFL&A Public Health reviews the immunization records of all children in grades K to 12 to ensure they are up to date with vaccines required under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), read the release. ISPA directs Medical Officers of Health of public health units to maintain a record of immunization for each pupil attending school in their jurisdiction. Students can be suspended if they do not receive immunizations against ISPA-designated diseases or if documentation of an exemption is not provided.

“We especially want to recognize our school board partners and thank all of the students too for getting their immunizations,” said Amanda Posadowski, Manager Vaccine Preventable Disease at KFL&A Public Health.

As children return to school this September, it is important to keep immunization coverage rates high to protect against serious illnesses and vaccine preventable disease outbreaks, Public Health said in the release.  Check with your health care provider to ensure your child is up to date with routine immunizations.

When registering for school, or updating vaccines at your doctor’s office, remember to report your child’s immunizations to KFL&A Public Health to keep their records up to date.  

• Report immunizations online at kflaph.ca/ImmunizationReporting
• CANImmunize – Track your children’s vaccination records and submit to KFL&A Public Health. Download the free app for iOS and Android to get started today. 
• Upload your child’s immunization records using the school-aged child immunization history reporting e-form.
• Call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232.