Urgent Reminder: Ottawa Kids Must Get Vaccinated Before School

UPDATE: As schoolchildren in Ottawa prepare to return to classrooms, public health officials are urgently reminding parents of the critical need to ensure their kids are up to date on vaccinations. With over 2,000 confirmed cases of measles reported across Ontario in the past year, the message is clear: vaccination is essential for your child’s health and school attendance.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, emphasized the importance of scheduling a checkup with your child’s primary care provider. “Always try to get a checkup before school starts,” he stated during an interview on CTV Morning Live. Parents must ensure that schools are informed about their child’s health needs, especially if they require medications such as an EpiPen for allergies.

Children born in 2010 or later must be immunized against several diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, whooping cough, and chickenpox. The vaccination schedule for young children includes critical shots for those aged four to six, which encompasses the MMR booster as measles cases surge. Ottawa has reported five confirmed cases of measles as of mid-August, part of a recent outbreak that began last October.

The vaccination protocol continues with children in Grade 7, who require additional vaccinations, including Hepatitis B, meningococcal, and HPV. The HPV vaccine is particularly crucial as it helps prevent cervical cancer. For older students aged 14 to 16, a booster for whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria is necessary. Roumeliotis warns, “We’re seeing whooping cough, so we know you need another protection.”

Parents must be aware that failure to comply with vaccination requirements could lead to their child being suspended from school. Last academic year, approximately 3,000 students in Ottawa faced suspensions due to incomplete vaccination records. “We don’t want to suspend kids; we want them to be protected and attend school,” said Roumeliotis. Many suspensions stem from missing records rather than a lack of vaccinations.

To assist parents, local public health units provide resources for checking vaccination records. Ottawa Public Health encourages families to visit their website for comprehensive details about childhood immunizations. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit and other local health units also have information on routine vaccinations.

Dr. Roumeliotis highlighted the broader community impact of vaccinations: “Routine immunizations are vital to protect not only your children but also the entire community.” He urges all parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, stating, “The more up to date you are, the better it will be for everyone.”

As the school year approaches, parents are urged to act swiftly to ensure their children are vaccinated and ready to learn. For those needing vaccinations or assistance, contact your local health unit or primary care provider immediately.