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continued from p.1 Under the provincial Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must have up-to-date immunization records in order to attend school. Local health departments are responsible for confirming those student records to ensure youths have either the legally-required immunizations or an exemption form on file. As part of its efforts to enforce the ISPA requirements, the Halton Health Department mailed 7,730 letters to parents of the 17-year-old cohort requesting up-to-date immunization records last July, according to the memo. Immunization clinics were offered between July and December 2015 and an online immunization reporting system was launched in September 2015 to encourage families to submit the information through a secure electronic platform. The form is available at halton.ca/immunize. In December 2015, another 4,389 notices Not following rules could earn two suspensions were issued to parents of the 17-year-old cohort, who hadn't provided the records, the memo stated. Targeted immunization clinics were then offered at secondary schools last month and additional clinics are scheduled for this month. Students are required to be vaccinated against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus poliomyelitis (DPTP), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and meningococcal disease, in order to attend school. An exemption is allowed, if a student has medical reasons or provides an affidavit stating the student isn't immunized because of conscience or religious reasons. Halton Hills Councillor Jane Fogal asked what would happen to students who are suspended and still don't provide up-to-date records by the time their suspension is over. Based on other public health units, there are the occasional one or two students who won't have the required records by the end of the suspension, and if that's the case, a second suspension could follow, Meghani replied. "I really, really think we won't be at that point given that the numbers are coming down and we are able to provide some options to parents in terms of getting the children to our clinics," said the MOH. Meghani noted the Health Department con- 9 | Friday, March 25, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com tinues to work with students and their families. It is also encouraging all families to review their children's immunization history and make sure the Health Department has updated records either online at halton.ca/immunize, by dialing 311 or by dropping off a copy of their child's immunization record to the Halton Region Health Department at 1151 Bronte Rd. As independent insurance brokers, we have freedom of choice. So should you. We'll present you with more options designed to better match your protection and budget needs. Don't settle for one quote from your insurance agent. Let us help you get your money's worth. Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Announcing Our Newest Team Member "As fiduciaries we provide objective, transparent and goals-based wealth management, resulting in solutions for affluent families and business owners. I am very proud to be a part of a truly holistic financial planning and portfolio manager. - Andrew Brydon, CPA, CA abrydon@wealthstewards.ca T: (905) 891-6052 wealthstewards.ca Vachon Insurance Group 200-5468 Dundas St W Toronto, ON 1-800-766-8662 vachoninsce.com GET THE ULTIMATE IN COMFORT FOR YOUR HOME! 3440 Fairview Street, Burlington Ontario L7N 2R5 Oakville: (905) 827-5585 Burlington: (905) 634-7701 Hamilton: (905) 544-2220 www.broomshvac.ca Save on Top Brands