OTTAWA — A recent discovery shows that immunization records for more than half of the students in Ottawa schools have not been updated. Data up to October 12 indicates that 16,000 students across the Grade 2 and Grade 12 cohorts—representing over 66 percent of children in those age groups—have not updated their vaccination records with Ottawa Public Health (OPH).
In Ontario, parents are responsible for submitting these records. However, officials are reportedly struggling to maintain accurate data because the process of tracking old paper cards and printouts from doctors’ offices remains complex and cumbersome. Experts argue that this situation highlights an outdated system that actively obstructs efforts to boost vaccination rates across the community.
The findings come at a critical time, as Canada faces the possibility of losing its measles-free status. This concern is fueled by the fact that over five thousand people have been infected with measles in the past year alone.
In light of these developments, doctors are strongly emphasizing the urgent need to digitize public health information to ensure timely and accurate tracking, thereby safeguarding public health standards.
