February 20, 2015
Recent measles outbreaks have raised questions regarding immunization rates at Toronto schools.
These questions have raised some concerns about impacts to our public health. I share these concerns and wanted to take a moment to clarify the process of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on these issues.
The TDSB takes its lead from Toronto Public Health (TPH) on issues of vaccinations. Toronto Public Health oversees and monitors vaccination requirements of students, and requests for exemptions must be submitted to them for approval. The TDSB can and does assist in the exchange of vaccination information between parents and Toronto Public Health, but does not hold on to records or set requirements for vaccination.
More information from Toronto Public Health is available here.
The health and safety of our students, schools, and communities is critically important to all of us. Vaccinations are an established and proven method for protecting our collective health.
I will continue to track this situation closely. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at marit.stiles@tdsb.on.ca, or 416.395-8787
Thank you.