In 2016, the WECHU embarked on its first suspension process under the Immunization of School Pupils Act which requires all school-aged children to submit complete immunization records or a valid exemption to the health unit in order to attend school.
The WECHU sent out 3718 notices to students born in 2008 with incomplete records in April, followed by second and third notices during the summer.
In total, 207 students were suspended on September 26, 2016 for incomplete records. In partnership with the school boards and principals, and through the efforts of the Healthy Schools department clerks and nurses, along with the excellent response from parents or guardians, all students submitted their information and returned to school within two weeks.
