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June 2, 2022 • 14 minutes ago • 3 minutes ago • Join the conversation An HPV vaccine vial is shown in this 2006 photo file. Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press
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Approximately 13,710 high school students in the region do not have current immunization records for hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal disease, according to the Windsor-Essex County Health Department.
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Acting Health Officer Dr Shanker Nesaturai revealed the frightening figure on Thursday – representing more than half of all students at Windsor-Essex High School.
“Some of these people may have received their vaccines but have not forwarded their documents,” Nesaturai said. “Another group did not receive their vaccines at all.”
“That’s a very large number,” said Nicole Dupuis, executive director of the health department.
The health department emphasizes that Ontario law requires all students to be aware of immunizations – or face expulsion from school for up to 20 days.
Households with students whose records show they missed photos received notifications in the mail from the health department this week, specifying what vaccines they need and how they can update their information to avoid being stopped.
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Vaccination efforts in Windsor-Essex focus on “catching up” immunizations of students
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Nesathurai: HPV vaccines are crucial to protect young people from cancer in the future
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Without current immunizations, students will receive notice of suspension in September at the beginning of the 2022/2023 school year, local public health officials warn.
However, Nesaturai said he did not expect mass suspensions to be needed, as past experience has shown widespread compliance before the deadline.
“The public health service is extremely reluctant to interrupt children’s school life,” Nesaturai said.
Vaccines against hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal disease are usually given to students in their schools. But the interruption of personal training in the last two years due to the precautionary measures for COVID-19 has led to more students than ever receiving their vaccines.
The Student Immunization Act has been part of Ontario’s law for more than three decades.
Since the beginning of March, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has been organizing immunization opportunities for school-age citizens through public clinics and meetings in health offices.
Students seeking vaccination for hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal disease can make an appointment at 1005 Ouellette Ave. via the website www.wechu.org/getimmunized or by calling 519-258-2146 ext. 4500.
Updated immunization records can be reported to the health unit via immune.wechu.org or by calling 519-960-0231.
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Dr. Shanker Nesaturai discusses why HPV vaccines are crucial in protecting young people from cancer in the future. Check out the column 👇 https://t.co/C5sur4vtLi
– WEC Health Department (@TheWECHU) May 30, 2022
Nesaturai said the historical rate of adherence to vaccinations covered by the Student Immunization Act is about 90 percent. “It’s actually pretty good in previous years.”
“I think when people are given the opportunity to vaccinate their children, most people do. The vaccines we have for children – against measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough – have been given for decades. “
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccination rate in the region has been stagnant for months, with 88.7% of Windsor-Essex residents aged 12 and over receiving at least two doses, but only 11% of those aged 12 to 17 years group receiving third dose / booster injection.
Asked if there were any concerns that public health measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic had a stimulating effect on vaccine sentiment among some of the population, Nesaturai said there had always been a “subgroup of people” in communities that are reluctant to accept any medical treatment or intervention.
Nesaturai said the role of public health remains to provide guidance and education, and although the pandemic may have led to a “rougher dialogue” in the community, the local health unit will continue to lead the dialogue.
“Vaccinations are probably one of the most effective public health interventions we have,” Nesaturai said.
dchen@postmedia.com
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