Ontario’s top Medical Health Officer is appealing to parents to make sure their kids vaccinations are up-to-date.
Dr. David Williams is recommending vaccinations against 17 contagious illnesses, including polio, measles, mumps and whooping cough,
Williams says those who decide against vaccinations are putting their children at risk and need to talk to a medical professional.
Under Ontario law, certain vaccinations and documentation need to be up to date, or children may not be able to attend school.
If they can’t be vaccinated for medical or non-medical reasons, they need a valid exemption from a doctor.
The Northwestern Health Unit says keeping students both immunized and in school are priorities, noting keeping everyone protected is their main concern.
However, officials warn school suspensions may be issued when required under the School Pupils Act.
Dr. David Williams notes an outbreak of illness can be serious and even tragic for those not vaccinated.
He says vaccines are safe and adds the more kids that are vaccinated, the lower the chance of a dangerous outbreak.
The percentage in Ontario is only about 85%, which Williams describes as “not bad”, but not as high as he would like to see.
