Hundreds of students in Grand Erie Public Health area suspended due to vaccine mandates

Hundreds of students in Brant County, Brantford and the Haldimand-Norfolk area have been suspended until they can get their vaccines records up to date.

In a news release on Tuesday, Grand Erie Public Health confirmed the suspensions of 291 students in Brantford and Brant County and 170 students in Haldimand-Norfolk.

The students involved are in Grades 2, 3, 6 and 11.

The Immunization of School Pupils Act gives medical officers of health the authority to suspend students who are missing required vaccinations. Unless they have a valid exemption, children attending public schools in Ontario must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and whooping cough. Children born in 2010 or later must also receive a chickenpox vaccine. Parents or guardians must provide proof of those vaccinations to the local public health unit.

Suspension orders

Grand Erie Public Health initially issued 2,835 suspension orders to students earlier this year. Most families were able to provide proof of their vaccinations or get the required shots before the suspensions took effect on March 25.

Grand Erie Public Health is a relatively new amalgamation of the former Brant County Health Unit and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.

Last year, the Brant County Health Unit issued 2,464 suspension orders for out-of-date records. Numbers from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit for 2024 were not available.

Ongoing measles concerns

The latest suspensions come as Grand Erie Public Health continues to grapple with rising cases of measles.

In an update from Public Health Ontario, at least 440 measles cases had been reported in the province as of March 19. The update lists 357 confirmed cases and 83 probable cases.

According to Public Health Ontario’s data, 111 cases stem from the Grand Erie Public Health coverage area since Oct. 28, 2024.

How do I get my child’s records up to date?

To return to school, suspended students must either get the required shots and update their existing vaccination records with the health unit or get a valid exemption.

Grand Erie Public Health will host a series of opportunities for students in Brantford and Brant County to amend their records or receive catch-up immunizations at the Lynden Park Mall.

Public health will be at the mall near entrance three on:

• March 25 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• March 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• March 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parents can drop in with their child or book an appointment ahead of time.

The health unit will also be holding a suspension vaccine clinic at their Simcoe office on Robinson Street on March 28 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Vaccine appointments will also be available at the Simcoe office on a by-request basis from March 25 until March 28. Parents can call 519-426-6170 ext. 3214 or email [e-mail] to book a time.