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October 31, 2012 – No Safety Concerns Identified So Local Healthcare Providers Can Resume Administering Agriflu and FluAd Vaccines

The Peterborough Public Health has informed local healthcare providers that Health Canada has lifted its temporary suspension of Agriflu and FluAd so they can resume immunizing patients with these vaccines.

“This is very reassuring news on two counts. Firstly, no safety or effectiveness concerns were identified with the suspended vaccines, and secondly, Health Canada’s swift decision to take this precautionary measure shows how responsive our public health system when it comes to protecting the health of our residents,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “I am pleased with how well our local partners handled this situation and their impressive efforts to make sure patients and healthcare workers continued to get vaccinated.”

Health Canada announced today that it has completed its review of safety information for Agriflu and Fluad and is releasing the two seasonal flu vaccines for immediate use. As a precautionary step, the products were temporarily pulled from distribution last week by the manufacturer and held from use in flu vaccination clinics at the request of Health Canada while it investigated any possible concerns.

Health Canada found no safety issues with the vaccines based on its own testing, information provided by its European partners and the manufacturer, and its past experience with possible clumping of vaccine products.  According to the Italian health regulator, one lot of Agriflu and Fluad showed clumping of particles. This lot was never released to the market. Clumping of the kind noted in Europe is common in vaccines. Health Canada has previously seen such particles before in other vaccines and has observed no impact on their safety or effectiveness.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada will continue to work with Novartis to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines used here in Canada. To date it has received no reports of serious or unexpected adverse events related to these vaccines.

For further information, residents are encouraged to visit Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

October 29, 2012 – Tonight’s Open House in Norwood Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather

The Peterborough Public Health has rescheduled its Community Open House in Norwood to take place on Thursday, November 29 at the Norwood Town Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The original Open House in Norwood planned for this evening (October 29) has been cancelled due to the impending storm expected to hit the area tonight.

Tomorrow’s Open House (Tuesday, October 30) in Lakefield at the Lakefield Marshland Centre is still planned to go ahead as scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A series of Community Open Houses is being hosted across the County and City of Peterborough by the Board of Health as part of its Strategic Planning process to elicit resident ideas and preferences regarding local public health priorities.

Residents can still participate in the online survey found on Public Health’s website home page by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.  The survey will remain open until Friday, November 16.

Please visit the 2013-17 Strategic Plan webpage on Public Health website for more information and updated schedule of Community Open House.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

October 29, 2012 –  While Health Canada Investigates Suspended Vaccines – Suspended Vaccines Never Used in Public Clinics; Residents Encouraged to Get The Flu Shot

The Peterborough Public Health is encouraging local residents to get their flu shot at community clinics which continue as planned while Health Canada investigates two vaccine brands that were temporarily suspended last Friday.

“I want to reassure all local residents that Public Health is only providing Vaxigrip and Fluviral brand influenza vaccines at its community flu clinics and not the two suspended brands Agriflu and FluAd,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our flu clinics remain open for business and we encourage everyone, especially families with young children and those in contact with seniors to get immunized.  The Vaxigrip and Fluviral vaccines are safe and remain the best way to protect yourself and others from spreading the flu virus.”

Community flu clinics will be taking place in Apsley today (October 29) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Kawartha Community Centre and tomorrow (October 30) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Evinrude Centre. For a full schedule of upcoming community flu clinics, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

The Public Health had distributed Agriflu and FluAd to some local healthcare providers and has already alerted them about the Health Canada suspension of these vaccine brands so they will not be given to patients. Currently there is no recommendation that patients who have already been immunized with either of the suspended vaccines should be “re-immunized”.

There is no evidence that there is any risk associated with the Agriflu or FluAd vaccines produced by Novartis. Health Canada has indicated that should a safety concern be identified, immediate and appropriate action will be taken. Health Canada, as well as Public Health Ontario, have also indicated that to date, they have received no reports of serious or unexpected adverse events related to the administration of these vaccines. The action taken by Health Canada to temporarily suspend the distribution and use of these vaccines is a precautionary measure and is not related to any health risks having been directly observed.

Agriflu and Fluad are two of the seasonal flu vaccines produced by Novartis that have been pulled from use in several European countries pending further examination of white floating material discovered clumping in the vaccines. As a precautionary step, Health Canada asked Novartis to suspend distribution of the vaccines in Canada until a full review of the situation is completed. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also recommending that health care professionals in possession of these vaccines refrain from using them until the review is complete.

For further information, residents are encouraged to refer to the question and answer document posted on Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

October 27, 2012 – Only Fluviral and Vaxigrip Vaccines Provided to Local Residents

Following Health Canada’s announcement yesterday that two vaccine brands, Agriflu and FluAd, have been suspended for use in Canada pending further investigation, Peterborough Public Health has confirmed that these brands were never used in community flu clinics.

“I want to reassure all local residents that Public Health is only providing Vaxigrip and Fluviral brand influenza vaccines at its community flu clinics and not the two suspended brands,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our flu clinics remain open for business and we encourage everyone, especially families with young children and those in contact with seniors to get immunized.  The Vaxigrip and Fluviral vaccines are safe and remain the best way to protect yourself and others from spreading the flu virus.”

 The Public Health has already alerted healthcare providers about Health Canada’s suspension of the Agriflu and FluAd vaccine brands so they will not be given to patients.

Agriflu and Fluad are two of the seasonal flu vaccines produced by Novartis that have been pulled from use in several European countries pending further examination of white floating material discovered clumping in the vaccines. As a precautionary step, Health Canada asked Novartis to suspend distribution of the vaccines in Canada until a full review of the situation is completed. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also recommending that health care professionals in possession of these vaccines refrain from using them until the review is complete.

The Public Health’s community flu clinic today at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is open and running smoothly.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

October 25, 2012 –  Public Health Launches Online Survey to  Seek Your Input on Public Health Priorities

Community Invited to Help Build Board of Health’s Five-Year Strategic Plan

Today Peterborough Public Health launched an online survey to gather resident opinions on what our local public health priorities should be for the next five years.

Residents can easily find the survey on Public Health’s website home page by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.  Results will help inform the Peterborough County-City Board of Health’s 2013-17 Strategic Plan to be released next spring.  The survey will remain open until Friday, November 16.

“Many challenges and opportunities are before us,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our board believes it is essential for us reach out and gather input directly from residents in the communities that we serve.”

Board of Health Chair Andy Sharpe agrees. “The need for public health solutions has never been greater, so a strategic plan that is built on really listening to our community members is more important now that ever,” said Mr. Sharpe. “How are we doing? What do we do well? What could we be better at? Are there gaps in public health programs that you think we need to fill? Do you need to know more about us, and what we do?”

These are all important questions. In addition to the online survey, local residents are invited to share their ideas by attending one of the following Community Open Houses:

  • Monday, October 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Norwood Town Hall
  • Tuesday, October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lakefield Marshland Centre
  • Monday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion
  • Tuesday, November 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library

“We are ready to listen,” assured Dr. Salvaterra. “Your input will help shape Public Health’s new strategic directions, and how and why we initiate them.”

The Board of Health embarked on a strategic planning process this fall. To make Public Health’s 2013-17 Strategic Plan truly meaningful and effective, the Board is looking for input from the public as well as from local stakeholders. Public Health representatives will also hold focus groups with members of Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, youth, and local community and health care partners.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

October 24, 2012 – Residents Encouraged to Follow Public Health on Twitter When Planning Their Clinic Visit

The Peterborough Public Health is hoping local residents will take advantage of Twitter to help them plan when to get their flu shot at community clinics taking place throughout the County and City in the coming weeks.

“We are delighted to make use of Twitter to provide real time updates on clinic line ups so residents know when the best time is for them to get their flu shots,” said Sarah McBride, Public Health Nurse in charge of coordinating this year’s flu clinics.  “With more than 200 Twitter followers so far, we already know that people are looking for timely public health information like this.”

The Public Health will send tweets advising followers when line ups are getting long, and also when clinics are not so busy so residents can pick the optimal time to come for their flu shot.

To follow Public Health on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com and create your own account by providing a valid email address and password.  In the search bar, enter Public Health’s handle, @PCCHU and click on “follow” to receive clinic updates.  You will also receive other important public health information and news.

Community flu clinics begin Thursday, October 25 and run until November 28. For a current schedule and further information about influenza vaccination, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

October 16, 2012 – Keep Yourself and the Community Healthy by Getting Vaccinated!

The Peterborough Public Health announced today that community-wide Flu Clinics will kick off this year on Thursday, October 25 at the Evinrude Centre.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent influenza from spreading in our communities, especially since we know 30% of healthy individuals can get it and pass it on, event without symptoms,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “For many of us, influenza could be just a passing illness but unfortunately, for the very young, the elderly, the immunocompromised, the pregnant or the infirm, influenza can mean an ICU stay, or even worse, the final blow.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that each year in Canada the death toll from influenza can range between 4,000 to 8,000 individuals. These numbers compare to the number of women who die annually from breast cancer.

Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that all children over six months old get a flu shot each year.  The vaccine is also safe for pregnant women and will protect them and their unborn child.  The Public Health will not be holding school-based clinics this year so families with children are strongly encouraged to attend one of the community clinics or see their healthcare provider or participating pharmacists.

Dr. Salvaterra noted in addition to the health payoffs the community also benefits by reduced absenteeism at work and school when fewer people get sick.  Healthcare providers are especially encouraged to get immunized to reduce the spread of influenza as recommended by Health Canada, the College of Physicians and Surgeons and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Flu shots are available free of charge to anyone with a valid health card.  The Public Health has scheduled 11 community clinics throughout Peterborough City and County during October and November.  A copy of the full schedule is available online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .

The Public Health has already distributed the vaccine to local clinics and doctor’s offices but residents should call ahead to ensure their healthcare provider has it in stock.

The community clinic schedule is subject to change.  For up to date clinic information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or call (705) 743-1000.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

October 12, 2012 –

Click here to view the Board of Health Summary October 10, 2012 

October 12, 2012 – Signed Postcards Given to Local MPP Urging Action to Support Ontario Adults With Severe Dental Problems

Today hundreds of signed ‘dental’ postcards depicting a far-from-perfect scene in Ontario were delivered to MPP Jeff Leal demanding support for adults with severe dental problems.

Members of Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network and Peterborough Social Planning Council (PSPC) delivered 600 postcards to Mr. Leal.  Over the past few months, local residents were asked to sign the postcards, urging the Ontario government to expand financial-support programs to include adults who cannot afford basic dental treatment.

“We’re really pleased at the support people in our community have shown us by signing the postcards and asking the Province to fill a serious gap in our health care system,” said Brenda Dales, PSPC Executive Director and spokesperson for the local campaign. 

In this area, hundreds of postcards were circulated as part of a province-wide advocacy campaign organized by the Ontario Oral Health Alliance, a group formed in 2007 to unite the voices of those who advocate for better access to oral health.  Thousands of the signed postcards have been collected across Ontario and are simultaneously being delivered this fall to Members of Provincial Parliament in all parts of the province.  

The campaign’s postcard features photos of five ‘real’ Ontarians with severe dental problems smiling through gritted teeth.  A caption below the pictures reads:  ‘Why am I living with pain and infection?’ On the back of the postcard, the Oral Health Alliance notes that thousands of Ontario adults suffer with pain and infection from poor oral health because they cannot afford to get regular dental treatment.  High costs and lack of dental insurance are some of the main barriers to care.

“Locally, we now have the public health infrastructure in place with both a downtown and mobile clinic to service adults suffering from severe dental pain if the province will cover their treatment,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “We currently receive dozens of calls every month from local adults who need dental care and cannot afford it, so we know the need is great in our community.”

“People signed the postcards because they want Queen’s Park to fix a glaring omission that allows adults with severe dental pain and infection to suffer in silence,” noted Anna Rusak, chairperson of the Ontario Oral Health Alliance.

As far back as 2008, the provincial government committed to developing a program to pay dental costs for low-income families. Financial-assistance programs were created or expanded, but only to cover dental treatment for low-income children – not adults.  The result is that Ontario adults with severe dental problems who are unable to pay for care often have few options but to get treatment for pain at hospital emergency rooms.

“Is that the best use of our limited health care dollars?” Ms. Rusak asks.  “If we can fix and then prevent serious dental problems like severe toothaches and infection, we are saving money in the long run.”

A “strategic investment” in financial-support programs that cover the costs of treatment for Ontario adults with severe dental problems would pay off in other ways, she adds.  Research shows that poor oral health can lead to other health problems in a person down the road.  People with poor oral health can also suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence, making it more difficult for them to find meaningful employment so that they can leave social assistance.  According to Ms. Rusak:  “There are many benefits and cost-savings to be generated by improving access to dental care.”

In the coming months, members of the three local health and community service agencies and the Oral Health Alliance will follow-up with MPPs to call for action and ensure the message behind the dental postcards is not lost.  Local residents who want to find out more details can call 705-743-1000 or visit www.oaphd.on.ca.

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For further information, please contact: 

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

October 10, 2012 – Community Invited to Help Build Board of Health’s Five-Year Strategic Plan

The Peterborough Public Health is asking local residents to take part in helping to design the organization’s future.

This fall, Board of Health has embarked on a strategic planning process. To make Public Health’s 2013-17 strategic plan truly meaningful and effective, the Board is looking for input from the public as well as from local stakeholders. The process to come up with the plan will include inviting all county and city residents to attend one of several Community Open Houses taking place in October and November.  Public Health representatives will also hold focus groups with members of Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, youth, and local community and health care partners.

“Many challenges and opportunities are before us,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our board believes it is essential for us reach out and gather input directly from residents in the communities that we serve.”

Board of Health Chair Andy Sharpe agrees. “The need for public health solutions has never been greater, so a strategic plan that is built on really listening to our community members is more important now that ever,” said Mr. Sharpe. “How are we doing? What do we do well? What could we be better at? Are there gaps in public health programs that you think we need to fill? Do you need to know more about us, and what we do?”

These are all important questions. Local area residents are encouraged to provide feedback by attending one of the following Community Open Houses:

  • Monday, October 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Norwood Town Hall
  • Tuesday, October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lakefield Marshland Centre
  • Monday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion
  • Tuesday, November 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library

“We are ready to listen,” assured Dr. Salvaterra. “Your input will help shape Public Health’s new strategic directions, and how and why we initiate them.”

Dedicated open houses will also be organized for area youth.  Community members will also be invited to share their feedback in a ten-minute online survey, details to be announced shortly.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391