For the Record: School Suspension Notices Looming

Wed, Apr 09, 2025

To avoid suspensions, parents and guardians are encouraged to update their child’s vaccines and submit immunization records to Algoma Public Health. 

Algoma Public Health (APH) is reminding families across the region of the importance of keeping childhood vaccinations up to date. This message comes as local communities approach the school suspension period under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), which requires students to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school. 
 
APH is issuing letters to parents and guardians of high school students with incomplete immunization records. This follows earlier notices sent in January 2025. The new letters include a suspension order and provide time to book vaccine appointments and report updated records to APH. Without action, affected students may face a school suspension of up to 20 days later this spring. 
 

Immunization record review is ongoing, and further suspension notices may be issued. APH continues to work closely with students and their families to update records and provide opportunities to receive missing vaccines. 

“The prevention of infectious diseases through immunization is essential to keeping our schools safe,” said Dr. Tuinema, Acting Medical Officer of Health at Algoma Public Health. “High vaccination rates are vital for achieving community protection and preventing the spread of serious illnesses like measles and whooping cough among school-aged children.”

How to update your child’s immunization records: 

Please ensure any submission includes your child’s full name and date of birth. 

1. Online: Submit the record online at www.algomapublichealth.com/icon  
2. Phone: Call your local Algoma Public Health office: 
   • Blind River: 705-356-2551
   • Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314
   • Sault Ste. Marie: 705-759-5409
   • Wawa: 705-856-7208 
3. Email: Send a photo of the vaccine record to records@algomapublichealth.com  
   (Please note: 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) 
4. Fax: 705-541-5959 (confidential fax).  

If your child requires a vaccine: 

Contact your health care provider (if you have one) or book an appointment with Algoma Public Health to receive any missing immunizations. 
 
Learn more about school immunizations. 
 
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