221 Windsor-Essex students suspended due to incomplete immunization records

221 students have been suspended in Windsor-Essex for incomplete immunization records.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is reporting that 221 students have been suspended from school on Tuesday for having incomplete immunization records.

In the fall of 2025, immunization records of all secondary students in Windsor and Essex County were assessed by the WECHU (20,359 records). Effective March 31, 2026, 99 per cent of all secondary students in Windsor and Essex County (WEC) are up to date with the ISPA requirements.

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires public health units to maintain and review immunization records for every student attending school in Ontario; and to enforce a school suspension on students with incomplete immunization records.

Under the ISPA, some children can be exempted from immunization for medical reasons or due to conscience or religious belief.The health unit says there has been a notable reduction in suspensions compared to previous year.

Students who have been suspended Tuesday are required to provide the WECHU with records for missing immunizations and/or a valid exemption. Once a student/parent/guardian provides the student’s updated immunization information to the health unit:

• The student’s immunization record will be updated in the provincial database,
• The student can return to school immediately (note that an official rescind letter from the WECHU is required for same-day returns), and
• The student will be removed from the school’s suspension list on the next business day.

The WECHU is here to help affected families. Services are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at our Windsor and Leamington offices. Families are encouraged to visit www.wechu.org/getimmunized for more information.

Updated immunization records can also be submitted online at immune.wechu.org (note that proof of immunization must be provided as an attachment).

Families can reach out to their health care provider to receive immunizations and/or obtain missing immunization information. Families can request that their health care provider then fax updated immunization records to the WECHU at 519-258-7288.

Elementary Suspension Update

As of Tuesday, 18 elementary students remain suspended since March 10, 2026.

Elementary students remaining on the suspension list may return to school once they have received required missing immunizations and/or missing immunization record(s) are provided to the health unit.

For additional information on school immunizations and the suspension process, visit the WECHU website.