The April deadline is nearing for Quinte area school children to get immunized so that they aren’t barred from school.
The Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health heard at its meeting Wednesday that about 2,300 notices are going out this week for students who are still without the required shots.
That is expected to be down to fewer than 1% by the April 7 deadline.
Conscientious objectors are exempt but Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmell says if there is an outbreak parents should know there are rules.
#1 SHOTS GEMMELL
Exemptions are for religious, medical or philosophical reasons.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Manager of Communicable Diseases Bill Sherlock presenting the immunization report, March 7, 2018 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
In the past, parents have been able to withdraw their children from the program giving shots for various diseases, and still have them attend classes.
The provincial government changed the law last year, requiring those parents to attend an education session first.
Board member Belleville Councillor Jack Miller asked how this requirement is being received by the parents.
Manager of Communicable Diseases Bill Sherlock said some are a little reluctant but they comply. He said “some believe it causes autism and others say they don’t see why the immunization is needed since the diseases are so rare. ”
In 2017, 313 students, without proper exemptions, were suspended at the April deadline and had to get the shots before returning to classes.
