Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit Urges Vaccination Updates for Children

As summer approaches, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is urging parents to ensure their children's immunizations are up to date. This reminder comes as families prepare for seasonal activities such as summer camps, sports, and travel. According to Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health at SMDHU, keeping children vaccinated is crucial for their health and well-being, especially as they engage in group activities that increase the risk of spreading preventable diseases (SMDHU, June 17, 2025).

In June, students born in 2016 and 2017, currently in Grades 2 and 3, received notices from their schools if they were missing any required immunizations. Parents of these students are encouraged to act swiftly to ensure their children's vaccinations are current. Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of summer checkups with healthcare providers, stating, “They can help you find out if your child is on track with well-child checkups and routine immunizations” (SMDHU, June 17, 2025).

The health unit has multiple offices in Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, and Orillia, where families without a healthcare provider can book immunization appointments. Dr. Lee further noted, “With summer camps and group activities just around the corner, keeping children protected against preventable diseases is more important than ever” (SMDHU, June 17, 2025). He highlighted the safety and efficacy of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses such as whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis, and measles.

Parents can check their child’s vaccination records online at smdhu.org. It is important to note that vaccinations administered by healthcare professionals outside the health unit may not be reflected in these records, as they typically do not report them. Parents are encouraged to submit any missing vaccination information to ensure accurate records, either online or by contacting the health unit directly at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.

To assist families in managing their immunization records, the health unit recommends the CANImmunize app, which functions as a digital version of the traditional vaccination card. This free mobile application allows users to keep their vaccination histories organized and accessible, also providing a feature to share records directly with SMDHU (CANImmunize, 2023).

As the community gears up for summer activities, the health unit's reminder serves as a critical public health message. The proactive approach to vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases, ensuring a healthier summer for all children in the region. For additional information regarding routine immunizations or to schedule an appointment at a health unit clinic, parents can visit smdhu.org or reach out to the immunization team at the aforementioned contact number.