Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued school suspension orders that will take effect March 31, 2026, for students born in 2009, 2017, and 2018 in the City of Brantford, County of Brant, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County, who have not met the requirements of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) of Ontario.
As part of GEPH’s ISPA process, 4,317 letters were sent to parents and caregivers of students in these focused cohorts in July, encouraging them to review and update their child’s immunization record or face suspension.
Through ongoing reminders, immunization record support, and vaccine clinics, GEPH was able to support resolving just under half of these resulting in a total of 2326 suspension orders issued at the end of January. As of February 9, 2028 students continue to face suspension due to incomplete records.
GEPH is required to collect and maintain immunization records for all students under the age of 18 attending school in the region to help protect students and the public in case there is a vaccine preventable disease outbreak in our community. Under ISPA, students aged 4 to 17 must provide proof of routine childhood immunizations, including tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, and varicella (for children born in 2010 and later), or have a valid exemption to attend school.
As health care providers are not required to report immunizations to public health, it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to ensure their child’s vaccination record is up to date with the health unit.
GEPH continues to issue reminders, offer additional clinics, and support families in updating immunization records to reduce the number of suspensions before they take effect.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check and update their child’s immunization record at GEPH.ca/ispa so that it remains current and complete.
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“Routine childhood immunizations protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization is a key public health measure to keep our students and school communities healthy and safe. The vaccines listed under the Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act are safe, effective, and supported by extensive scientific evidence. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure their child’s immunization record is complete and up to date. We thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our school settings safe.”
Dr. Jason Malenfant, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Grand Erie Public Health
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Grand Erie Public Health
As one of Ontario’s public health units, we are determined defenders of community health. Our focus on prevention, protection, and promotion contributes to healthier outcomes across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk. We are committed to being a trusted and authentic source of public health information, guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards.