Simcoe Students Face Suspension for Incomplete Vaccination Records

Students in Grades 11 and 12 in Simcoe will face suspension if their vaccination records are not up to date. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced that suspensions could begin on September 23, 2025, for those with incomplete immunization documentation, as mandated by the Immunization School Pupils Act (ISPA). Currently, there are over 2,700 outstanding vaccination records that need to be addressed.

The ISPA requires health units to maintain accurate vaccination records for all students attending schools. This enforcement aims to ensure that students are protected against serious vaccine-preventable diseases, thereby minimizing the risk of outbreaks within educational institutions. The Health Unit emphasizes the importance of up-to-date immunizations not only for individual health but also for the broader community.

To assist students and their families, the Health Unit is organizing drop-in vaccination clinics across several locations, including Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville, and Gravenhurst. These clinics will operate during the week of September 22, with hours set for Monday from 1:30 to 18:00 and from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00 and 12:00 and 13:30 and 16:00.

Students can also receive their vaccinations through their healthcare providers. However, it is crucial that they report this information to the Health Unit. Reporting can be easily accomplished online at smdhu.org/lmmsOnline or by contacting the Health Unit directly at 705-721-7520, ext. 8827 during weekdays from 08:00 to 16:30.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to safeguard public health and ensure that students can continue their education without the interruption of vaccine-preventable illnesses. By taking these steps, the Health Unit aims to maintain a healthy learning environment and act swiftly in the event of any potential outbreaks.