Students in Waterloo Region have lower vaccination rates: report
Posted Nov 8, 2023 04:02:58 AM.
Last Updated Nov 8, 2023 11:07:31 AM.
A report submitted to regional council Tuesday shows vaccination rates among students in the region are still lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Some vaccinations include those for Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio (DPTP), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Varicella. Elementary school children in particularly had lower levels than secondary school students.
Requirements in the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) were paused during the pandemic, resulting in lower levels due to a lack of opportunities. The program resumed for in 2022 for Hepetitis B, HPV and Meningococcal Disease.
The region’s Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) program will be offering clinics in schools and public health offices in order to increase levels.
Full enforcement of the ISPA will be in effect this school year, with suspension dates for students who do not comply. Suspension dates are March 27, 2024 for elementary school and May 1, 2024 for secondary school.
Earlier this year, the region instituted a pilot vaccine bus program to provide immunization services to areas in the region with health care barriers. An evaluation of the program is currently underway.
