By law, students must have proof of immunization against the following ISPA designated diseases unless they have a valid exemption: 

• Tetanus 
• Diphtheria 
• Pertussis 
• Polio 
• Measles 
• Mumps 
• Rubella 
• Meningococcal Disease 
• Varicella (Chickenpox) 

We collect, assess, and maintain the immunizations records of children attending all Public (LKDSB), Catholic (SCCDSB), French (OACS) and Private schools in Chatham-Kent. We keep these records so we can identify students at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases during a classroom or childcare outbreak. 

In accordance with ISPA requirements, we issue notices of suspensions when a student's vaccine record has not been updated. We do this to ensure the collection of updated vaccination information. We contact parents and guardians of students via mail, phone, and school emails to inform parents of those students whose records need to be updated. 

If your child has received a school suspension notice, it is likely because we need an updated copy of their immunization record. Once updated, a Public Health Nurse will contact you if your child remains at risk of suspension.  

Please note that only students who fail to update their record or complete an exemption prior to the designated suspension date will be suspended. 

Contact us if you have any questions about the school vaccine suspension program. 

To see when we are coming to your child's school, please view the school vaccine visit schedule here. 

If receiving vaccinations at school is not the best option for your child, we can book your child a private appointment with us at CK Public Health or have the grade 7 vaccines sent to your child's healthcare providers office. Contact us to make these arrangements. 

Your child may be nervous to get a vaccine at school. Public Health Nurses talk to students to help reduce anxiety and give them tips to decrease any pain.  

You can help to prepare your child for their vaccine in a few ways:  

1. Talk to your child about what to expect when they get a needle. Getting a needle can feel like being poked or pinched, but the pain does not last long.  
2. Make sure your child eats breakfast the day of their vaccine appointment and brings a lunch to school.  
3. Have them wear a short sleeve shirt. 
4. Talk to your child about some tips to stay calm when they get their vaccine, like: 
5. Taking slow, deep breaths  
6. Wiggle their toes  
7. Keep their arm loose and jiggly  
8. Talk to the nurse or a friend as a distraction  
9. They can look away from the needle. Some kids want to watch (and that’s okay!)  

If your child missed immunization day at school, there are a few options: 

1. You can book an appointment for your child at our immunization clinic. 
2. We can send the vaccine to your child’s healthcare provider to be given at their office. 
3. Your child will receive the immunization the next time we are at the school. 

Contact us to make a plan to get the missed vaccines. 

For those seeking a non-medical exemption, a parent must complete an exemption process. Please note that children who attend both school and childcare facilities will need both school age and childcare age exemption forms completed on file. 

• Childcare Age (0 - 3 yrs): CCEYA Non-Medical 
• School Age (4 - 18 yrs): ISPA Non-Medical