Local health officials are asking parents to update their children’s immunization records to avoid possible suspension from school.
Chatham-Kent Public Health has issued 1,734 first‑notice letters to parents and guardians of students with incomplete immunization records.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said around 25 per cent of the letters were for children in kindergarten, however, the most recent data shows that 95 per cent of 17-year-olds in Chatham-Kent are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
“In 2025, there was an outbreak of measles. In Chatham-Kent, 180 people became sick with measles, the majority were children, [and] some people were hospitalized,” he said. “I would argue that one of the reasons we didn’t have widespread transmission of measles, a very infectious disease, is because the vast majority of people are vaccinated.”
Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act, students without a valid exemption are required to be vaccinated against the following diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis), and Varicella (Chicken Pox).
The health unit said parents may receive a notice even if their child is fully vaccinated, as immunization records are not automatically shared with CK Public Health by health care providers.
“The vast majority of young people are vaccinated, we just don’t have the report. For those people who aren’t vaccinated, this is a chance to get caught up,” said Dr. Nesathurai. “It’s one way that all of us can contribute to minimizing the transmission of communicable diseases. It’s also one way we can all contribute to advancing the health of the community.”
If a student’s record remains incomplete, a suspension order will be issued next week. Those who do not meet the requirements by March 10 will then be suspended from school.
Parents are asked to review their child’s immunization records to confirm they are complete, and then contact a healthcare provider or the CK Public Health School Health Team for vaccination options.
Updated immunization information can be submitted online by clicking here, over the phone by calling 519-352-7270 ext. 2457, or in-person at the CK Public Health office.
For more information on vaccinations and immunization requirements, click here.
