Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) Enforcement

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, April 8, 2024

The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is dedicated to supporting a safe school environment by enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) for the 2023-2024 school year. The enforcement of this legislation was temporarily paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per ISPA, R.S.O.1990, it is mandatory for all Ontario students to be up-to-date with their vaccinations or have a valid exemption on file to attend in-person classes.

The PHU has been actively reviewing immunization records and reaching out to families of students with incomplete vaccinations. By the end of April 2024, suspension notices will be issued to students who have not updated their vaccines or obtained a valid exemption.  Students unable to receive vaccinations for medical, religious, or personal reasons can follow the PHU's exemption process.

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the PHU, emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in protecting students and the broader school community. “Vaccinations play a pivotal role in protecting the health and safety of our students from vaccine preventable diseases. We provided an additional year after the pandemic for families to bring their children’s immunization records up-to-date, aligning with health units across the province in the gradual re-introduction of the ISPA program”.

Kendra Luxmore, Manager of Immunizations, shared, “The PHU immunization team is committed to supporting families and students every step of the way, whether it's helping to navigate the process of booking a vaccination appointment, updating immunization records, or guiding families through the exemption process if necessary. We're here to assist families in meeting their needs and ensuring their children can continue their education without interruption.”

The required vaccines under ISPA for students include diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox). The PHU has been offering school-based clinics and in-office appointments throughout the school year and summer. 

For additional information on immunization schedules, how to report vaccinations, or if you have any questions, please visit phu.fyi/immunize.