Early Outreach to Families to Update Student Immunization Records

Fri, Nov 28, 2025

 

Algoma Public Health (APH) is sending out approximately 3,400 letters to parents and guardians across Algoma. The letters notify families that APH does not have an up-to-date immunization record for their child, and that action is required to ensure students meet Ontario’s immunization requirements.

A record may be incomplete because APH has not received the latest vaccination information or because a child is overdue for one or more vaccines. Updating records early helps families avoid school suspension later in the school year. 

Vaccines protect students, schools, and the wider community from vaccine-preventable diseases. High vaccination coverage reduces the risk of outbreaks and protects children who cannot be vaccinated.

“The recent resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases like measles highlights how critically important it is to have up-to-date vaccinations,” says Dr. Tuinema, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Algoma Public Health. “Together we can keep serious infectious diseases out of our schools by ensuring our children have the best protection possible through vaccination.” 

School suspensions for incomplete immunization records are scheduled for April of the 2025/2026 school year. Families are encouraged to update records as soon as possible to avoid suspension.

What’s new for 2025/2026 school year?

In past years, students could return to school during the suspension period by providing an appointment for the overdue vaccine. However, starting later this school year, in line with ISPA legislation, APH will require students to show proof of immunization, rather than just an appointment in order to return to school during the 20-day suspension period.

 

How to update your child’s immunization records:

Families can update their child’s immunization record with APH by submitting the information using one of the following options (include child’s full name and date of birth):

1. Enter the vaccine record online at www.algomapublichealth.com/icon
2. Bring a copy of your child’s immunization record to any of our locations during regular business hours or have the record faxed to your local Algoma Public Health office www.algomapublichealth.com/contact-us
3. Email a picture of their vaccine record to records@algomapublichealth.com (If you are sending us personal information by email, please be aware that electronic communication is not always secure and can be vulnerable to interception)

If your child requires a vaccine:

Ensure your child receives any missing immunizations by making an appointment with your health care provider, participating walk-in clinics, or with Algoma Public Health.

Learn more about school immunizations.