As families prepare for a fun-filled summer, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is emphasizing the importance of ensuring children's immunizations are current. Maintaining regular vaccinations is crucial for safeguarding kids' health and readiness for summer activities such as camps, sports, and family trips.

In June, students in Grades 2 and 3 from Simcoe Muskoka born in 2016 and 2017 who are lacking necessary immunizations received letters from their schools. Parents who received these letters are urged to take action promptly to protect the health of their children.

Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health at SMDHU, recommends scheduling a checkup with your child's healthcare provider during the summer to catch up on any missed vaccines. They can assist in ensuring your child is up to date with well-child checkups and routine immunizations.

Families without a healthcare provider can schedule an immunization appointment at various health unit offices across different locations.

Dr. Lee emphasizes the significance of keeping children protected against preventable diseases, especially with summer camps and group activities approaching. Vaccines play a vital role in preventing serious illnesses like whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis, and measles, particularly in settings where children are in close contact with one another.

Parents can access their child's immunization record online at smdhu.org. It is important to note that vaccines administered by healthcare providers outside the health unit may not be reflected on the vaccination record. To ensure accuracy, any missing information should be submitted online or by contacting the health unit directly.

For easier management of family immunization records, consider using CANImmunize, a free mobile app that acts as a digital version of the traditional yellow card. This app allows for organized and accessible record-keeping, with the added benefit of sharing records directly with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more details on routine immunizations or to schedule an appointment at a health unit clinic, visit smdhu.org or contact the immunization team.