As the deadline approaches, the situation regarding incomplete immunization records for elementary students has become critical. As of March 7th, 2025, a staggering 253 elementary students have been suspended from school due to their non-compliance with immunization regulations set forth by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O. 1990.

This situation has left many parents and guardians scrambling to ensure that their children can return to school without further delays. To lift the suspension order, parents are urged to take immediate action by updating their child’s immunization records. Here are the steps that can be taken:

1. Online Update

Parents can conveniently update their child's immunization records by visiting immune.wechu.org and uploading proof of immunization.

2. Health Care Provider (HCP) Assistance

Another option is to ask the child's healthcare provider to fax the missing vaccination details directly to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) at 519-258-7288.

3. In-Person Update

Families may also visit the WECHU offices in Windsor or Leamington to bring their child’s immunization records and get them updated.

4. Vaccination Appointment

If necessary vaccinations are missing, parents should schedule an appointment for their child to receive those vaccines or obtain a valid medical exemption from their healthcare provider. It is crucial that any updated immunization records be reported to the WECHU promptly.

5. Walk-In Clinics

The WECHU operates walk-in immunization clinics in Windsor and Leamington, allowing families the flexibility to get their children immunized without a prior appointment. For more information on these services, visit wechu.org/getimmunized.

The WECHU is committed to assisting families during this time. Support services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering immunization counseling, record updates, and administration of vaccines.

Secondary school students are also at risk, with a notable 1,105 students currently facing potential suspension due to incomplete records. The deadline for these secondary students to update their immunization records is quickly approaching: Thursday, March 13th, 2025. If updates are not made by this deadline, these students will be suspended starting Monday, March 17th, 2025, setting off a wave of disruptions in their education.

As the clock ticks down, parents are urged to act swiftly to avoid unnecessary school absences and ensure their children remain on track with their education. Don’t let your child be one of the nearly 1,400 students at risk of suspension—make those immunization updates today!