Durham Region Health Department - Fall Newsletter 2023

This is a message being shared on behalf of the Durham Region Health Department.

Is your child up to date with their immunizations?

This winter, your child may receive an Immunization Notice from the Durham Region Health Department if they are missing records of vaccines required for school.  

Here is what you should know:

• The Durham Region Health Department will be enforcing suspensions for students overdue for required vaccines under the Immunization of School Pupils Act for the 2023-2024 school year.
• If the Durham Region Health Department has not received record of your child receiving these required vaccines, they will be at risk of suspension.
• Your child may have received these vaccines already through their primary healthcare provider, but they have not yet been reported to the Durham Region Health Department.

Here is what you should do next:

• Talk to your health care provider to find out if your child is up to date.
• Provide an up-to-date immunization record to the health department:
  
  o Online at durham.ca/immunize
  o Over the phone by calling (905) 666-6242
  o By providing a copy to your child’s school
  o By mail

• If you receive a letter, compare the record on the letter with your health care provider’s record.
• If your child needs vaccines, see if you can make an appointment with your health care provider.
  
  o You can also make a plan with your health care provider to receive any missing vaccines in the future. If you do not have a health care provider, try calling walk-in clinics. Bring the letter with you to your appointment.
  
  o If you do not have valid Ontario Health Insurance, or are having difficulty getting an appointment, please call us at (905) 666-6242 or visit durham.ca/immunize to book an immunization appointment.

• You can view or report immunizations online using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool. ICON allows you to report and view your child's immunizations online any time. Be sure to attach a picture of your child’s immunization record. Learn more about reporting immunizations online using the ICON tool at durham.ca/immunize.