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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. 

Influenza Vaccine Expected Soon

Peterborough Public Health is reporting the first confirmed case of Influenza (flu) in the region.

“This is an early case of flu in this region,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “We know that the individual acquired the Influenza virus locally in this region, which means the flu is already circulating in our community. As the vaccination programs for influenza and COVID-19 have started, I want to remind residents of the importance of coming forward for Fall vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.”

“For some, the flu may present with less severe symptoms and these individuals would likely not seek testing,” adds Dr. Piggott. “Unfortunately for others, an Influenza infection can be very serious and even life threatening. We strongly advise anyone who feels unwell to stay home and avoid spreading a virus in our community.”

Although the Respiratory Virus Risk Index level is Low this week, the COVID-19 Risk Index level remains high based on elevated cases rates, positive test results, outbreaks, and wastewater sampling. Our local COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Index is updated every Wednesday with information on local transmission. Residents are encouraged to use the Risk Index to gauge their personal risk for infection and adopt relevant prevention measures. PPH has also launched a new email notification system for weekly updates on our Risk Index. To sign up for this system, please visit Peterborough Public Health- COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index.

An annual flu shot is the best protection against the flu. The flu vaccine is free and will be available this fall to all individuals aged 6 months and older. Influenza vaccines have arrived in Peterborough and have been distributed to Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes and some primary care providers. Pharmacies should start receiving shipments this week.

We want to remind residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing the flu. Residents are encouraged to:

  • Get the flu shot when it becomes available
  • Stay up-to-date with COVID-19, Influenza, and other routine vaccinations
  • Follow risk guidance measures recommended in the Local COVID-19 Risk Index
  • Wear a tightly fitting N95/KN95 mask to prevent transmission in higher risk and indoor settings. Be mindful of indoor air ventilation, and open windows, run HVAC regularly and otherwise improve indoor air ventilation
  • Stay home if you are feeling unwell

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

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For further information, please contact:

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

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

Peterborough Public Health has received an initial shipment of COVID-19 Moderna XBB.1.5 vaccine. Residents in the first two eligibility groups are already receiving the new COVID-19 vaccine. Peterborough Public Health has clinics ready for all residents ages 6 months and older. Priority for appointments will be given to those in eligibility groups 1 and 2. 

How to book an appointment: 

  1. Provincial Vaccine Booking Centre 
    1. online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine OR 
    2. over the phone Monday to Friday (holidays excluded) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time after 1-833-943-3900 
  2. Select Pharmacy Locations
    1. Find a local pharmacy who is administering vaccines here: https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/  
    2. Some Pharmacy locations will begin receiving  the Moderna COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine the week of October 9, 2023. . Check with each pharmacy about booking an appointment and vaccines available. 
  3. Primary Healthcare Provider
    1. Some health care providers are administering COVID-19 vaccines for their patients 

Who is eligible: 

First eligible group: High Priority 

If you have NOT received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months AND fit into one of the following categories 

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

 Second group: High Priority 

If you have NOT received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months AND fit into one of the following categories 

  • 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 or older
  • 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: As supply permits  

If you have NOT received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months AND fit into one of the following categories 

  • Administration for the general public will begin as soon as supply permits. Peterborough Public Health will notify the public when clinics are open for the general public.  

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For media inquiries, please contact: 

Media Relations 

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

This table is updated when a new outbreak is declared, when a causative agent is identified and/or when an outbreak is declared over.  If you have questions about these outbreaks, please contact the facility. For further information, call Infectious Diseases program staff at 705-743-1000.

Alert Date:  2023-09-29 Time: 4:00 PM Alert #100

 

 

 

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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