AHS Notification: School Routine Immunizations

October 29, 2021

Dear parents and guardians,

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been providing catch up immunizations in the South Zone for students who did not receive their routine immunizations during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school year. This work has been ongoing since summer 2021 through mass clinics and public health centres.

AHS Public Health is now able to provide in-school immunization services starting this fall for the 2021/2022 school year. This will ensure that every eligible student has access to vaccines.

AHS will utilize previously submitted consent forms on file, or you may complete the consent forms distributed through your school:

• Any signed consent form on file from parents or guardians from the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school year will be used to complete the vaccine series in school, as part of the catch up immunization program. Please consult with the school nurse as soon as possible to advise of changes to your child’s health since you signed the consent.
• Consent forms will be distributed through your school for any eligible student in the 2021/2022 school year in the coming weeks. Thank you for your review and prompt return of signed consents to support the school immunization program.
• All students who are eligible for immunization will receive vaccine immunization information packages.

When clinics are operational within the school setting, Public Health staff will screen your child to make sure it is safe for your child to be immunized. Children who have any illness symptoms will not be immunized. If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 they should stay home and away from others. Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool for further instructions or to book a COVID19 test.

We continue to encourage all eligible Albertans to get immunized against COVID-19 and seasonal Influenza. Appointments for COVID-19 and Influenza immunization can be made at COVID-19 Immunization Booking | Alberta Health Services or by contacting your local pharmacy.

It is important to continue your child’s routine immunizations. Vaccines make your immune system stronger by building antibodies to help prevent diseases. Getting your child immunized helps to lower the risk of cases and outbreaks of certain diseases in schools and the greater community. Immunization is safe, effective and it works. For more information on routine childhood immunizations, please visit AHS Immunization | Immunization (immunizealberta.ca).

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Dr. Allison Gonsalves
Medical Officer of Health - South Zone

Marguerite Dorchak
Acting Director, South Zone, PPH

Letter from Alberta Health Services October 29, 2021