Suspension Orders and Reminder Notices

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Clinical Services Division, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Suspension Orders and Reminder Notices
Date: January 12, 2026

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to vaccinating school-aged patients and supporting the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Your efforts help protect students from vaccine-preventable diseases to keep them healthy and in school. Since November 2025, approximately 2,300 students have provided Public Health with updated immunization records to meet the requirements.

This memo contains details about the 2025-2026 Immunization Record Review to assist with health care provider planning. Staff responsible for ordering vaccine can refer to the “Office Staff Action” subheading.

Upcoming Mailings

Public Health will be mailing two types of letters to students and their families this month, which may prompt an increased number of calls to your office. All missing information should be reported to Public Health by March 9, 2026 (processing may take up to five business days).

Suspension Orders for Students 7 to 17 Years Old. Approximately 6,900 suspension orders will be mailed. Students and their families have time to submit missing immunization information before the suspension period begins. Student records that are not up to date by March 23, 2026, may be suspended from school, starting on March 24, 2026.
Second Reminders for Students 4 to 6 Years Old. Approximately 2,280 second immunization record reminder notices will be mailed. These students will not face suspension for the 2025-2026 immunization record review. Public Health may contact them again for any missing information.

Public Health Vaccination Clinics

Public Health will be prioritizing students who have received a suspension order, particularly those without a primary care provider or health card, with an emphasis on secondary school students.

Public Health will hold vaccination clinics for students who have received a suspension order at:

Participating secondary schools between January and March 2026. Students can only go to the clinic at their own school.
Various schools across Niagara during the March Break. These clinics will be available by appointment or walk-in (first come, first serve). Unlike secondary school clinics, students do not need to attend the school where the clinic is located. Clinic dates will be posted on our website as they are confirmed.
Public Health offices (appointment availability may be limited)

Health Care Provider Action

Remind parents/guardians to bring the vaccination record they received in the November 2025 Immunization Record Reminder Notice from Public Health with them to their child’s appointment
- If they don’t bring this, they can access the immunization record at Immunization Connect (ICON) for you
Have appointments available for students who need to get caught up on vaccinations
- Please consider prioritizing immunization of elementary school-aged patients in your practice who received a letter from Public Health
Remind patients that they are responsible for reporting their vaccines directly to Public Health

Office Staff Action

Order vaccine based on your delivery schedule. Ensure adequate supply to meet potential demand.
- Use the Vaccine Order Form for Physicians and Primary Care for ISPA required vaccines
- Use the School Program Vaccine Order Form for Grade 7 vaccines (includes the ISPA required meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine)
Order immunization record resources for your office (e.g. notification and how to access your immunization record tear-off pads and poster)
- The “Access and Report Your Child’s Immunization Record to Public Health” poster has been updated and is available for order (Vaccines and Immunizations)

More Information

Recap - NRPH Rounds: Focus on The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) CME
Visit Annual Student Immunization Record Review for timelines, including letter distribution and scheduled dates for secondary school clinics
Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396