NEWSLETTER SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ********************* Since April 2022, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) in collaboration with the local boards school, offers school clinics for routine vaccinations for hepatitis B, meningococcal conjunctivitis (Men-C-ACYW) and human papillomavirus (HPV-9). This publicly funded, routine vaccination program is usually offered to 7th graders. However, pandemic-related disorders have delayed the delivery of these annual school clinics and as a result students may delay their routine and require vaccinations. Vaccination clinics at the school will be offered to 9th and 10th graders at Simcoe Muskoka High School and 8th graders at some elementary schools at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. Parents and guardians will receive information about upcoming coverage clinics from their child’s school. The health unit advises you to get vaccinated according to the Ontario Public Vaccination Program. The availability of up-to-date vaccinations ensures that children and adolescents have the best protection against certain diseases that can be prevented and help reduce the risk of outbreaks in school. Meningococcal disease is a mandatory immunization under the School Vaccination Act, and hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are highly recommended. For more information on Grade 7 vaccines and the diseases they prevent, click here. You can also speak with a public health professional by calling the Health Connection, 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
