The student immunization deadline for Quinte area schools has passed, with still a few of those who haven’t received their shots barred from school.
In January of this year, 4,000 notices went out to students who were without the required immunization.
By the April 6 deadline, there were still 570 without the required shots and, therefore, unable to return to school.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Manager of Communicable Diseases Bill Sherlock says that number is down to about 75.
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Sherlock says this does not include conscientious objectors, about 3% of the student population.
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The provincial government changed the law last year, requiring parents of conscientious objectors to attend an education session first.
Sherlock told the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health earlier this year some parents 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.