Before school starts, parents should ensure that they have reported their children's most up-to-date immunization records to Peel Public Health.

This coming school year, Peel Public Health will be reviewing student immunization records to verify that all students meet the immunization requirements. All children attending school in Ontario must be fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella.

It can be a concern for parents- and their children- if they are singled out to receive a warning letter from Peel Public Health noting their child is missing the required immunizations or the records have not been updated.

Students with incomplete immunization records can be suspended from school, which is definitely upsetting for the entire family.

All required immunizations are free of charge, reminds Dr. Eileen de Villa, Region of Peel Associate Medical Officer of Health.

Too often parents believe that their physician updates the immunization records required for school, but that is not the case. Parents are responsible for reporting their child's immunization record to Peel Public Health and must update it each time their child is vaccinated.

While it may seem like 'needless' paperwork and a 'hassle' for parents, these records are important for Peel health authorities in case there's an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease in the community.