Immunization is one of the most important ways of keeping your child healthy!
The government of Ontario has made it law for Public Health Units to keep the vaccine (shot) records of every child in the school system. (Immunization of Schools Pupils Act, 1983).
Most parents think that the doctor or school will make sure this information gets to the Health Unit, but this does not happen. It is your responsibility to call the Health Unit every time your child gets a shot or booster shot.
If you choose not to have your child immunized against disease, you must provide the Health Unit with a signed affidavit stating this. These legal documents required by Ontario Law are available at the Health Unit.
Because you have a child that is in Junior Kindergarten, we are reminding you that your child will need a booster shot between the ages of 4 – 6 years. These are booster doses of two vaccines he/she received when they were approximately 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18months old. These vaccines, DPTP and MMR protect your child from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Sadly enough many of these horrible diseases still exist in the world today and vaccination is the only way to prevent them.
In May in Chatham-Kent every year, we have many children who face suspension from school because we do not have this important information on file.
Please remember, once your child has his/her vaccine:
- Have the yellow card or other record updated
- Call the information in to Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit
For more information contact Public Health at 519-355-1071, ext. 5900 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca