High Immunization Rates Among Sudbury and Manitoulin Students, Health Unit Reports

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) has announced remarkably high immunization coverage among students in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, with more than 90 percent of students protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases mandated under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act.

The annual review, conducted in partnership with local school boards, examined the immunization records of more than 28,000 elementary and secondary students across the region, revealing immunization coverage rates ranging from 93 to 96 percent depending on the disease.

“When families, schools, health care providers, and Public Health work together, our impact is profound,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Parents armed with clear information and supports to ease their way respond quickly. Thanks to their efforts, depending on the disease, we have achieved 93 percent to 96 percent vaccine coverage in our school communities.”

The highest coverage was observed for chickenpox at 95.8 percent, followed closely by rubella at 95.6 percent and meningitis at 95.2 percent. Measles protection stands at 95 percent, while mumps and polio are at 94.9 and 94.7 percent respectively. Tetanus and diphtheria share a 93.1 percent coverage rate, with whooping cough slightly lower at 93 percent.

Philosophical and religious exemptions accounted for approximately 4.2 to 4.3 percent across all vaccines, indicating a relatively small proportion of families opting out of immunizations. The health unit noted this is particularly significant “despite being surrounded by unprecedented misinformation that is fuelling vaccine hesitancy” in the broader community.

The comprehensive review process began in December 2025, when Public Health notified families whose immunization records needed updating. Parents and guardians were responsible for reviewing their children’s records, responding to notices, and arranging any required immunizations. Local schools assisted by sharing reminders and connecting families with Public Health resources.

As part of the initiative, Public Health clinics administered more than 2,400 vaccines to over 1,600 students. Primary care providers throughout the service area also reviewed records and vaccinated thousands more students to ensure compliance with provincial requirements.

The health unit emphasized the broader public health significance of these high immunization rates. “Keeping childhood immunizations up to date stops the spread of illness in schools, prevents outbreaks, and minimizes disruptions to learning and daily life,” PHSD stated in their press release.

These results reflect Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act, which requires students attending school to be vaccinated against specific diseases unless they have valid medical exemptions or have filed formal objections based on philosophical or religious grounds. The law aims to protect not only individual children but also maintain community immunity, particularly in densely populated settings like schools where disease transmission can occur rapidly.

The successful immunization campaign in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts stands as a model of effective public health collaboration. The health unit explicitly acknowledged this multi-stakeholder approach, extending thanks to “school boards, school administrators, parents and guardians, and health care providers for their partnership and shared commitment to keeping students healthy and learning safely.”

For residents seeking additional information about immunizations or wishing to update student immunization records, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has directed them to visit phsd.ca or contact them directly at 705-522-9200, extension 458 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).