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It’s time to update your child’s immunization record: Health Unit

January 15, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

If you have a child in Grades 3 or 4, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding parents and guardians to make sure their children’s immunization records are up to date by Feb. 3, 2026, to avoid school suspension.

Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act, students whose immunization records are incomplete or missing can be suspended from school.

While the ISPA is a provincial law, local public health units support this process by reviewing student vaccination records and notifying families when updates are required.

The Health Unit sent reminder notices home from school in June and November with Grade 3 and 4 students whose immunization records on file at the Health Unit are not up to date.

Currently, 3,742 Grade 3 and 4 students across Simcoe Muskoka still have missing or incomplete immunization records. These families have now been mailed a suspension order which will take effect on Feb. 3, 2026, if the required information is not received by that time.

“Immunizations protect children by helping their bodies build immunity before they encounter disease,” explained Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health at SMDHU. “The recent measles outbreaks we’ve seen in Ontario show how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can spread. Keeping immunization records up to date safeguards both our schools and the wider community.”

In Ontario, there is no province-wide digital immunization registry system. When a child receives vaccines from their primary care provider, the details are recorded in their medical record at the doctor’s office.

However, this information is not automatically shared with the local Health Unit. It is the responsibility of parents to report each vaccination to the Health Unit whenever their child receives a vaccine.

What parents and guardians who received a suspension notice need to do:

• Review your child’s immunization record. The immunization record that the Health Unit has on file is included on the suspension order, noting which vaccine information it is missing. Check your child’s yellow immunization card or immunization record from their doctor to see if the missing vaccines have been given;
• Ensure your child receives any missing vaccines. If your child has not received the missing vaccines, book an appointment with your health care provider or access on of the Health Unit immunization clinic opportunities;
• Report your child’s updated immunization information to the Health Unit.

If your child has already had the missing vaccines, or once your child receives them from your health care provider, report this information to the Health Unit using one of the following methods:

• CANImmunize App – Is a secure mobile app that allows you to manage and submit immunization records from your smartphone. Be sure that you have selected the option to share your child’s record with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit;
• ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario) – Submit records online using a desktop or mobile device.
• Phone – Call the Health Unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.

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