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Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

Residents Urged to Carry Multiple Naloxone Kits 

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending a community alert issued on November 1, 2023, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings.  

In the last 48 hours, paramedics and emergency room staff have responded to 12 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough City and County. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to prevent further harm in the community. 

Currently, the substance that is causing the increase in poisonings is not known. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.  

A drug poisoning may look different from one person to the next depending on the drugs involved. A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. ALWAYS call 9-1-1.  

 If you or a loved one uses drugs,  

  • Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally. www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit\ 
  • NEVER use alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at  1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe Street in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 
  • Avoid mixing drugs. 
  • Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.   
  • NEVER share supplies. 
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose. 

 Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning 

 

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.  

For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.  

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For further information, please contact: 
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health Boards agree to review merger opportunities.

The Boards of Health for Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) are moving forward with a process to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger in the communities they serve.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that decide to voluntarily merge. The province has indicated as part of one-time funding that mergers would need to be implemented by January 1, 2025.

In 2019, PPH and HKPR District Health Unit previously explored opportunities for shared service delivery in response to efforts by the provincial government to reduce the number of local public health agencies. Completing a pre-assessment study marks the first step towards understanding how the current proposal would affect delivery of public health programming and emergency response capacity locally.

“Public health’s primary reason for being is to improve the overall standard of health in the community being served,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Doing so goes a long way to relieve the tremendous strain currently being borne by our downstream health sector and those people working within it. If there is a way to strengthen our ability to improve these health standards it is our responsibility to investigate it.”

“Our ultimate goal is to protect and promote health in the communities we serve, while ensuring a strong voice in public health for Municipalities and First Nations,” states Kathryn Wilson, Chair for Peterborough Public Health’s Board of Health. “If a voluntary merger offers a chance to strengthen public health and resolve some of the long-standing capacity challenges facing the sector, then it is an opportunity worth exploring.”

The provincial pre-assessment process is anticipated to take place over several months, with a decision to follow early in 2024. At the end of the pre-assessment, the PPH and HKPR District Health Unit Boards of Health will decide whether to proceed with a voluntary merger. Both PPH and HKPR District Health Units will continue to operate independently during the pre-assessment period.

More Information
For more information about the upcoming provincial changes to the public health system:

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

XBB.1.5 COVID-19 Vaccine and Influenza Vaccine Now Available to Residents 6 Months and Older

Starting today, all residents over the age of 6 months are now eligible to book an appointment for their fall COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.

The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all residents over the age of 6 months. This vaccine, which better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant, can be received by those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine and those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months (168 days). Individuals who have been previously vaccinated but have had a COVID-19 infection recently are asked to wait 6 months after the infection, and at least 6 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose, to receive their fall dose.

“COVID-19 continues to circulate at a high rate in our community and we have confirmed that Influenza has arrived,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Receiving a fall COVID-19 vaccine, which is a new vaccine against COVID-19 XBB strains, and the Influenza vaccine is important protection for everyone and I recommend you book an appointment to get yourself protected.”

Booking a Vaccine Appointment:

COVID-19 Vaccine –

  • Receive the vaccine at a local participating pharmacy. Review appointment information before booking
  • Book an appointment with the Provincial Vaccine Booking Centre
    • Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine, OR
    • Over the phone Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1-833-943-3900
    • Please note – Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics are in high demand. If residents do not see clinic availability on the provincial booking system, this means all available clinics are full. Please connect with a local pharmacy OR check back later for more appointment openings.

Influenza Vaccine –

  • Receive the vaccine at a local participating pharmacy. Please note – local pharmacies only administer the influenza vaccine for residents over the age of 2 years.
  • Primary Care Provider
  • Book an appointment at a Public Health clinic. Please note – these clinics are available for residents under the age of 2 years and their immediate family members.

Novavax XBB COVID 19 vaccines are still awaiting approval from Health Canada and are therefore not available at this time.

For more information about COVID-19, vaccine eligibility, and clinic availability, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ 

To receive weekly updates of the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index, sign up at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-risk-index/

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

 

Protect your Pets and Family this Fall 

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is teaming up with local veterinarians to offer multiple clinics across the County and City of Peterborough to protect pet dogs and cats against rabies. These vaccinations are low-cost at $35 – $40 per pet (cash only). No appointments needed and walk-ins will be accepted as supplies last. Dogs must remain on leash, and cats must be in a secure carrier or restrained. Owners should bring proof of their pet’s most recent rabies vaccinations if available.  

Upcoming Clinics   

The clinic schedule can be found online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/rabies  

“We are very grateful for our veterinary partners who are making rabies vaccination more accessible in our communities,” says Julie Bromley, Manager of Environmental Health, who oversees the rabies prevention and control program at PPH.  

“So far this year we have investigated 308 potential rabies exposure incidents. Last year we investigated a total of 309 incidents. We are finding that many local dogs and cats are not up to date with their rabies vaccinations.” Bromley continues, “Not only is it the law, but vaccination is also the easiest way to protect your pets and family from rabies. If your cat or dog is not up to date, we highly recommend taking advantage of these upcoming low-cost clinics.”  

All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies at three months old and maintain their booster shots under regulation 567 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. However, vaccinated animals can still become infected with and transmit rabies. It is important to always be mindful of your pet’s behaviour and seek the help of a veterinarian if you believe your pet is acting strangely or is exhibiting signs of rabies. 

If you believe you or a family member has had contact with an animal suspected to be rabid, or are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice, and contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 to report the incident.  

For more information about rabies prevention, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/rabies-prevention  

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

Nurse-Family Partnership Presentation 

Krista Ward, Manager, Child Health Services, delivered a presentation on the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a collaborative project of Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU). The NFP is an evidence-based, home visiting program for young, first-time mothers experiencing social or economic disadvantage. The program pairs mothers with a Public Health Nurse in the early stages of their pregnancy through to their child’s second birthday. Visits are spread over this two-year period, with 14 visits during pregnancy, 28 during infancy, and 28 during toddlerhood. The core goals of the NFP are to improve pregnancy outcomes, enhance child health and development, and increase parents’ economic self-sufficiency. Evidence has found that NFP significantly reduces risk of preterm deliveries, childhood language delays, behavioural and intellectual problems, and child abuse and neglect. The program is open to individuals 24 years of age or younger who reside in the PPH and HKPRDHU service areas and are expecting their first child. Eligible participants must also have limited support and resources and enroll in the program by the 28th week of their pregnancy. As of October, 4 participants have enrolled in the program since the program launched in September. 

Health Care Worker Influenza Immunization 2022-2023 

The Board of Health received a staff report from the Immunization Program detailing influenza vaccination coverage rates for local health care settings, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and long-term care homes (LTCH). According to the report, there were 601 lab-confirmed influenza cases in the 2022-2023 surveillance season and 8 outbreaks. A significant decline in immunization rates was observed in 2022-2023 compared to the previous year. Specifically, in 2022-2023, 69.21% of PRHC staff and 64.8% of LTCH staff received influenza immunizations, compared to 69% and 89.3% the previous year. These declines may be attributable to immunization fatigue and low rates of influenza circulating in the region in 2021-2022, which may have influenced staff decisions to not pursue immunization. Low rates of immunization in the LTCH sector were exacerbated by health human resource challenges observed during the pandemic, including loss of staff during the influenza surveillance season.

Drug Poisoning Update   

Jocelyn Qualtrough, Health Promoter and Carolyn Doris, Manager with the Family and Community Health team delivered an update on the local drug poisoning crisis. Qualtrough noted that Peterborough is experiencing harms at comparable levels to the province and Canada. Despite these challenges, Doris stated that while Peterborough has moved progressively and effectively to introduce new programs, services and supports in response to escalating drug-related harms, a systems-based approach led by all level of government is required to achieve meaningful reductions at the local level. This must in turn include a continuum of services and supports geared towards reducing and preventing the risk factors that contribute to substance use, such as childhood abuse and neglect, trauma, and other Social Determinants of Health.  

Qualtrough also explained that inhalation drug use continues to outpace other modes of use in the community and remains a significant driver of drug-related deaths and harms in the region. According to a local survey of people who use drugs conducted in July 2023, 96% (n=62) of survey respondents said they would use the Consumption and Treatment Services site to inhale drugs, if this was available. The majority of respondents (58%) noted that they would use this service over 4 times per day, while 57% percent indicated that inhalation was their preferred method of consuming drugs, compared to only 15.7% who selected injection. This survey data supplements the finding of a previous analysis that found local demand for safer inhalation equipment in the PPH region was 6 times greater than the demand for injection equipment. Despite these findings and ongoing advocacy by PPH and others, the province continues to block expansion of the CTS program to support delivery of safer inhalation services.  Additionally, the Ontario government announced in early October, the pausing of additional CTS approvals as a review of services is conducted. 

Doris and Qualtrough concluded by drawing attention to the need for community safety for all local residents, emphasizing that criminalization of those most impacted by the Social Determinants of Health is not an appropriate response to the current situation. PPH has a pivotal role to play in providing leadership related to prevention, as well as ensuring effective collaboration and a systems-level response through the Peterborough Drug Strategy. 

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line.

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/.

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

SPIKEVAX XBB.1.5 Vaccine Will be Available to Residents 6 Months and Older

The Ministry of Health has released guidance for Fall COVID-19 vaccines. In the coming weeks, Moderna’s updated SPIKEVAX XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all residents 6 months of age and older. This vaccine, which better protects again the new Omicron XBB variant, can be received by those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine and those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months (168 days). Individuals who have been previously vaccinated but have had a COVID-19 infection recently are asked to wait 6 months after the infection, and at least 6 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose, to receive their fall dose.

 

“At this time, sub lineages of the XBB COVID-19 strain are circulating in the country with predictions that it will become the dominant strain this season. This means that the new XBB vaccine should provide an important update to people’s current protection, even if they have previously had booster doses including the bivalent vaccine,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Those who are at higher risk for complications related to a COVID-19 infection are strongly advised to receive a booster dose with the XBB.1.5 formulation”

Immunization Eligibility

Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine will align with eligibility for the Influenza vaccine.

First eligible group:

  • Hospitalized individuals and hospital staff
  • Long-Term Care Home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers

Next eligible group:

  • Individuals at high-risk for influenza and/or COVID-19 related complications or hospitalization:
    • Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)
    • Pregnant individuals
    • Individuals ? 65 years of age
    • All children 6 months to 4 years of age [influenza risk]
    • Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members
    • Individuals 6 months of age and older with underlying health conditions per NACI (Influenza & COVID-19)
    • Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities
  • Health care workers and first responders

Final eligible group:

  • Administration for the general public will begin as soon as supply permits.

While data has shown that the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine will provide a stronger immune response and greater protection this fall, individuals who wish to receive the bivalent BA.4/5 sooner should speak with their health care provider or local pharmacist who is administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

Throughout October and November, Peterborough Public Health will be holding community COVID-19 immunization clinics across the county and at our office. Residents who are eligible can book an appointment through the provincial vaccine booking centre call line at 1-833-943-3900 or online at COVID?19 vaccines | ontario.ca.  Some PPH immunization clinics will be offering COVID-19 vaccines and Influenza vaccines. Additional information will be available on the provincial vaccine booking centre website. Many local pharmacies will be offering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines this season. Please confirm with the pharmacy what vaccine types they have available. To find a participating pharmacy, residents can visit https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/

Pfizer XBB and Novavax XBB COVID 19 vaccines are still awaiting approval from Health Canada and are therefore not available at this time.

Join Dr. Piggott on Thursday, September 28 at 5:00 p.m. on Instagram LIVE (@ptbopublichealth) to learn more and ask questions about the upcoming respiratory season, and the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.

For more information about COVID-19, vaccine eligibility, and clinic availability, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ 

To receive weekly updates of the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index, sign up at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-risk-index/

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

Presentation: 2023-24 Respiratory Season Update 

Gillian Pacey, Infectious Diseases Manager, and Carolyn Pigeau, Epidemiologist, delivered a presentation outlining local data and anticipated trends heading in to the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season. Local data shows that outbreaks of COVID and other respiratory viruses have remained steady over the summer despite typical seasonal declines. Pacey also shared that the number of outbreaks appear to be trending higher in 2023 compared to previous years. As of September 13, PPH is currently responding to 3 active outbreaks in the community.  

Pacey outlined efforts to prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season. During the summer, PPH and community partners completed outbreak and surge management planning to ensure readiness and a robust response should there be a sudden increase in cases locally. This effort is complemented by an internal respiratory virus surge plan to ensure adequate resources are in place in the event of a sudden increase in outbreaks locally.  

With respect to vaccination, Pacey noted that approximately 78% of residents aged 70 years and older will be eligible for booster doses. As in previous years, eligibility for the new XBB vaccine will follow a phased roll-out, beginning with the highest risk populations in September and October, before opening to the general population in November and December. Once available, residents can access the updated COVID vaccine formulation from 28 local pharmacies, at PPH-led mobile or pop-up clinics, or at the PPH office through our Routine Immunization Clinic. Influenza vaccinations can also be accessed from 43 local pharmacies, at PPH for children under 2 years of age and their families that do not have a health care provider, or through a primary care provider. Residents may continue to visit PPH’s COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Index for weekly updates to risk levels and relevant data based on local data.  

Stewardship Report: 2024 Budget Considerations II 

Mayor Matthew Graham reviewed the proceedings of the Stewardship Committee’s August 31 meeting, where 2024 Budget Planning scenarios were discussed. To guide approval of the final budget at the end of October, the committee directed staff to complete a prioritization exercise focusing on the unfunded areas of the Ontario Public Health Standards where PPH is currently non-compliant due to chronic and outstanding budget limitations.  

First Case of COVID-19 BA 2.86 Variant Confirmed in Region

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) COVID-19 Risk Index moves to moderate risk due to increase in case rates, outbreaks, and wastewater signal. The Respiratory Risk Index remains at low risk for community members in our region.

“The increase in COVID-19 indicators is a clear sign that transmission of COVID-19 is increasing in our region,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “With students in schools and more people gathering indoors, there are more opportunities for close contact and we anticipate COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate in our community.”

Dr. Piggott adds “This week we received confirmation of our first COVID-19 case with the BA 2.86 variant in the region. Other reports of this variant do not indicate an increase in the severity of symptoms compared to other COVID-19 strains. However, this variant does show signs of high transmissibility. There are also early reports of this variant being able to escape the protection that previous COVID-19 vaccines provide. Fortunately, the new COVID-19 XBB vaccine shows promising results in protecting against this strain.” The team at PPH is working hard to plan for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks to help protect residents in our community. More information on the availability of the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines should be available shortly.

In the moderate risk level, we recommend wearing a well-fitted KN95/N95 style mask in high-risk indoor settings, gathering outdoors, or in spaces with proper ventilation. In general, all residents who feel unwell should stay home to prevent further spread of infection and practice respiratory etiquette. These protections are not only lifesaving for individuals at high risk of severe illness, but the overall health of our community.

Peterborough Public Health has also introduced a weekly alert system to help residents stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 and Respiratory Risk Index updates. Starting today, residents who sign up for the alerts will be able to receive the updated COVID-19 and Respiratory Risk Index to their email inbox weekly, which will be important information as we progress through the fall. To bookmark the Index or sign up for alerts, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.

The COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk index will be updated on the webpage today by 5 p.m.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

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