Parents/Guardians Reminded to Update Student Immunization Records
In alignment with other health units across the province, starting January 11, 2023, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will begin enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).
“Immunizations protect children from highly infectious viruses and bacteria that can lead to severe disease,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Ensuring that all students are immunized and records are reported to public health will keep children safe in the classroom and prevent or manage potential outbreaks of disease.”
All students between the ages of 4 to 17 must be vaccinated according to Ontario’s Immunization Schedule, which includes vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox) and meningococcal disease OR have a valid exemption on file with public health.
Dr. Piggott explains, “Routine immunization opportunities resumed in 2022 after being paused due to the pandemic response. Starting in January, we are resuming enforcement of routine immunizations to ensure all students are compliant with ISPA and those who are not compliant may be at risk of school suspension. This will begin with the education of parents and guardians of students who are in Grade 3 and not up-to-date with their immunizations. The goal of our efforts is to support accessing vaccination, and getting our community protected. We have availability in our Routine Immunization Clinic to support those who do not have access to a health care provider.”
Immunization records can be found online at peterboroughpublichealth.ca. A valid Ontario health card is required to access the record of immunization. Parents and guardians may also ask their health care provider to fax immunization records to Peterborough Public Health. Children who are not up-to-date should book an appointment with a health care provider to receive a vaccine. Residents who do not have a local health care provider can book an appointment at Peterborough Public Health’s Routine Immunization Clinic by calling 705-743-1000 ext. 331.
Residents can learn more about the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA) and check how to update immunization records at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/immunization-clinics/
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Gill
Communications Team
705-743-1000, ext. 352
COVID-19 Wastewater Data Indicates Transmission is Rising
Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index has moved to the High-Risk level this week.
“The increase in risk level today is driven by increases in transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “As we continue to see the effects of transmission over the holiday period and people return to work and school we anticipate increases to continue. This appears to be part of a provincial and international trend with new variants that are more transmissible yet again.”
“We are already seeing the impacts of this increased transmission on the health care system and health of our community,” Dr. Piggott shared. “Within the last week, we have received 5 new institutional outbreaks related to respiratory infections. We are also seeing high and very high rates of emergency department visits and hospital admissions due to respiratory illness among residents in our community.” Dr. Piggott shared that we are now seeing COVID-19 wastewater levels at a height that we haven’t seen since May 2022. It is anticipated that this increase is likely the result of holiday gatherings, travel, and more time being spent indoors.
In the high-risk level, residents are encouraged to wear a mask when interacting with those from outside their household, gather in outdoors and in smaller groups as much as possible, and limit attendance at high-risk settings. Those who are at higher risk for severe outcomes related to a respiratory infection include older adults, young children and infants, those with compromising medical conditions, and those who are not up to date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. For those who are at higher risk, mask use in all interactions with those outside the home is strongly recommended.
In general, Peterborough Public Health recommends the following guidance for local residents:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. This means having a dose within the last 6 months.
- Continue to use a mask indoors and around others with a respirator, e.g., N95 or KN95 (especially if you’re at high-risk).
- Stay home if sick, even if you have mild symptoms, these could be deadly to someone you pass it along to.
- Use rapid antigen tests and continue to report both positive and negative test results to PPH using our confidential online reporting survey: com/RAT21.
- Practice proper hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette.
- Get tested and treated if you’re eligible. The assessment centre at Peterborough Regional Health Centre can test and treat patients who are presenting with any respiratory symptoms.
- Plan ahead. Determine if you are eligible for COVID-19 antiviral treatment and find a location that is prescribing it before you become ill.
To bookmark the Index, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352
Eligible Individuals Can Book an Appointment Starting September 12
Today, the provincial government announced that the new Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available to eligible residents in Ontario. Beginning on September 12, eligible residents will be able to book an appointment.
To ensure those at highest risk receive the vaccine, the following individuals are eligible to book an appointment starting on September 12:
- Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1952 or before)
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults (18+) and household members (18+)
- Health Care Providers (18+)
- Individuals who are pregnant (18+)
- Individuals living in long term care, congregate settings, retirement homes and elder care lodges
- Immunocompromised individuals (12+)
On September 26, all residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Bivalent vaccine. Booking for eligible residents opens today, September 12. To assist with the distribution to high risk populations, all new booster appointments for those over the age of 18 will be paused until September 26. Previously scheduled booster appointments falling between September 12 and 25 will still be honored, and if available, the Bivalent vaccine will be offered.
Eligible residents are encouraged to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. However, eligible residents can book an appointment 3 months after their last dose with informed consent. Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health explained, “an extended interval between doses provides a stronger and more robust immune response. We are encouraging people to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.”
Residents are encouraged to review the PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar for updates on eligibility and appointment availability at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics. At this time, Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine appointments MUST be booked over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900
Eligible health care providers, pregnant individuals and residents who wish to shorten the dose interval and book for a date that is 3 months after their last dose must call the provincial booking line for an appointment.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) approved the Moderna Bivalent vaccine for individuals 18+ and immunocompromised individuals 12+ on September 1, 2022. This vaccine has been adapted from the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to target the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant. Dr. Piggott explained, “the bivalent vaccine has shown a strong immune response to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant as well as a good response to the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The Moderna Bivalent vaccine has similar ingredients, safety profile and side effects as the Moderna spikevax vaccine.”
While it is important to keep an extended interval between doses of the same vaccine, co-administration of two different vaccines, or receiving two different vaccines close together is accepted. Dr. Piggott mentioned, “Co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccines with another vaccine, like the influenza vaccine, is completely fine and will not impact the efficacy of either vaccine. As we are coming into flu season, it is important to stay up-to-date with the influenza vaccine and your COVID-19 vaccines.”
Dr. Piggott, will be going live on Instagram on September 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to discuss the bivalent vaccine. This will be a great opportunity for residents to ask any questions they may have about the vaccine. A recording will be posted on Instagram for those unavailable to attend the live instagram.com/ptbohealth. Please note: An Instagram account is not required for participation.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Peterborough Public Health- About the COVID-19 Vaccines.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352
Peterborough Public Health Shares Safety Tips to Prevent Drug Poisonings
Today, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a drug poisoning alert following high numbers of suspected drug poisonings. On Thursday September 1, PPH detected 6 drug poisonings that resulted in paramedic calls for service and visits to the emergency department. These events are thought to be the result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity. PPH has issued this alert in the hopes of preventing further harms in the community.
With the Labour Day long weekend approaching, PPH is reminding community members about the importance of drug poisoning prevention, not using drugs alone, and carrying a naloxone kit. Street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances; be aware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone. This may improve breathing, but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives. If you or a loved one uses drugs, practicing harm reduction, planning ahead, and connecting to available supports can help you and your community stay healthy and as safe as possible.
Stay Safe This Labour Day Weekend
When using drugs, please remember these prevention tips:
- Do not use drugs alone.
- If you are using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
- Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
- Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by, and ensure you know how to use it.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Test your drug by using a small amount first. Start low, go slow.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose.
- Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for using or possessing drugs for personal use.
Community members are encouraged to know the signs of opioid poisoning and how to respond. An opioid poisoning may look like:
- Skin is cold and clammy;
- Fingernails or lips are blue or purple;
- Body is very limp;
- Cannot wake the person up;
- Deep snoring or gurgling sounds;
- Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped; and/or
- Pupils are very small.
If you suspect an overdose, respond quickly by calling 9-1-1 right away. Give naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.
Where to Get Supplies Over the Labour Day Long Weekend (September 3-5)
Naloxone and Emergency Overdose Response
- Peterborough County-City Paramedics
- All paramedics carry naloxone for distribution. When attending a drug-related call, paramedics can provide naloxone kits to the patient whether or not naloxone has already been administered.
Naloxone and Other Harm Reduction Supplies
- One Roof Community Centre
- 99 Brock Street, Peterborough, ON. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 705-874-1812
- Participating Pharmacies
Drug Poisoning Prevention
- Consumption & Treatment Site
- 220 Simcoe St, Peterborough. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Safe place to consume pre-obtained drugs and receive safe injection supplies.
- National Overdose Response Service
- Krasman Centre – Warm Line & Peer Crisis Support Services
Crisis Response
- Four County Crisis
- If you are in crisis, please call 705-745-6484 or 1-866-995-9933 (toll-free) to access 24-hour, free, confidential crisis support.
- Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough
- Call 705-745-2273 for free, non-judgmental, confidential crisis support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Community members can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough region.
For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.
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For further information, please contact:
Maiah Capel
Health Promoter, Communications
705-743-1000, ext. 272
Children Encouraged to Get Vaccinated Prior to Back-To-School
The provincial government announced on August 31, 2022 that children aged 5-11 are now eligible for a third dose (first booster) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. To be eligible, children must have received their second dose at least 6 months (168 days) prior to receiving a third dose. In addition, children with immunocompromising conditions are now eligible for a fourth dose (first booster). These individuals are required to show proof of eligibility at their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. A referral form from a health care provider or proof of prescription medication will be accepted as proof of eligibility. Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines is based on birth year.
Beginning today the provincial booking system will have appointments available for children aged 5-11 for the Peterborough Public Health (PPH) COVID-19 Vaccination clinic. This clinic is located on the lower level of Peterborough Square at 340 George St. One hour free underground parking is available.
Residents are encouraged to review the PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar for updates on eligibility and appointment availability at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics. COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked:
Vaccination is only one important tool for prevention against COVID-19. Other measures of prevention include: continuing to wear a tightly fitting (KN95/N95 style) mask, staying home when sick and gathering in well ventilated indoor spaces or outdoors. PPH encourages residents in the community to review the Local COVID-19 Risk Index on a weekly basis and use the personal recommendations provided to make the best decision for your health.
“With back to school around the corner, it is important to ensure all children are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “As a reminder, it takes approximately 14 days for a dose to take full effect. Getting the vaccine now will provide an additional layer of protection for children returning to school in September.”
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for youth and children, please visit the Peterborough Public Health youth and COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352
Walk-in Clinics to Continue at Locations Throughout Peterborough City and County into September
The final COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Evinrude Centre/Healthy Planet Arena will take place this Thursday, August 19 as Peterborough Public Health (PPH) transitions to a roving “pop-up” vaccine clinic model with locations throughout the region.
Walk-in “pop-up” clinics are planned throughout Peterborough City and County during August and September to make it easier for residents to access a vaccine. This transition also marks the end of local use of the provincial booking system as all future clinics will be walk-in only, no appointment required.
During the last week of clinics at the Evinrude Centre/Healthy Planet Arena from August 16-19, people can walk in Monday – Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. each day. On Thursday, August 19, the clinic will run from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. All residents over the age of 12 who require a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to walk-in to receive their vaccine.
“The majority of recent cases locally and across Ontario are among residents who are unvaccinated, so we urge all eligible residents to get immunized,” said Donna Churipuy, Operations Lead for PPH’s COVID-19 Response. “The benefits of vaccines are proven to not only prevent infection but they also reduce the severity of illness in breakthrough cases of COVID-19.”
In addition to the personal and community health benefits of getting vaccinated, each dose earns residents a chance to enter several contests to win great prizes. These include weekly draws for two $50 gift cards from the Downtown Business Improvement Association, and a chance to win one of 250 pairs of free tickets to see the Peterborough Petes through the “Get a Shot to Take a Shot” campaign.
Walk-in and by-appointment vaccination clinics at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will also wind down on August 19. Further details can be found here.
To ensure residents are well informed about upcoming walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics, they are encouraged to review the walk-in clinic calendar at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/walkin. This calendar is updated regularly with clinic information. Residents can also call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 for information about clinic times.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
CLASS ORDER
made pursuant to Section 22 (5.0.1) of the
Health Protection and Promotion Act
Date: April 20, 2020
TO: All persons residing in or present in the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough who:
- are identified as a person diagnosed with COVID-19;
- have the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting the results of their test;
- otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have symptoms of COVID-19; or
- are a close contact of a person identified in (a), (b) or (c).
I, Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough, order you to take the following actions, effective 12 p.m. (noon) on April 20, 2020.
Read the class order issued by Peterborough Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health and learn how this impacts you by clicking here.
The first charges have been laid under the City of Peterborough’s bylaw prohibiting smoking, vaping, and cannabis use in all municipally-owned parks.
The charges were laid against 11 individuals for violating the no smoking bylaw on Wednesday, July 24 by Peterborough Public Health’s Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs). The fine for smoking or vaping in a City park is $305. City Bylaw Officers and Police Officers can also enforce the bylaw.
As part of routine inspections, TEOs who were attending Peterborough’s Music Fest on Wednesday night observed people smoking, vaping, and using cannabis in an area where that is prohibited. One charge was issued for cannabis use, one for vaping, and nine charges were laid for smoking. “In 2019, 85% of the population do not smoke, and support for smoke and vape-free outdoor spaces is universal,” said Carolyn Doris, Manager of Family & Community Health Programs. “Many people believe that smoking outdoors is harmless, when in fact there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” she added. “Actively enforcing these laws will both protect people from toxic second-hand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”
“The City has utilized an educational approach so far this year, having spent the first six weeks of the summer informing park users about the bylaw and the health consequences of smoking outdoors, but some aren’t getting the message, or observing the signage in the parks,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health Programs. “We are confident that further promotion of healthy living and compliance with the smoking bylaw will result in fewer charges being laid.”
The no-smoking bylaw covers 362 hectares of parkland including over 100 city parks, playgrounds, beaches, splash pads and sports fields.
Any person using who sees people smoking, vaping or using cannabis within park boundaries may report a violation by phoning the Tobacco Enforcement Officers at (705) 743-1000 or reporting the offence online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
Residents Reminded to Get Rid of Standing Water and Avoid Mosquito Bites
August 16, 2022
Peterborough Public Health is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped from August 8th to the 11th, 2022.
This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year. According to Public Health Ontario, as of August 6th, 2022 there have been 14 WNV positive mosquito pools identified in the province but no human WNV cases. During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing.
“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” said Joshua Laite, Vector-borne Disease Program. “This is a good reminder for residents to get rid of any standing water in their yards and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”
Mr. Laite noted that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20% of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eye pain. Less than one percent of infected people will develop neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against mosquito bites is the best protection. Individuals can protect themselves from bites in several ways:
- Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn. Remember to wear:
- a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection)
- light-coloured clothing so mosquitoes are easily spotted
- Wear special clothing that is designed to protect you from bugs when you know you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time
- Use insect repellant containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Always read the label directions for use. Or, ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)
- Clean up:
- once a week, get rid of standing water around your home (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts)
- keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery)
- turn your compost pile often
The City of Peterborough has historically used the application of larvicides in the catch basins in the City and County. This is to help control the local population of mosquitoes to help protect the public from WNV.
For additional information on protection measures against West Nile virus such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and the safe use of insect repellents, please visit www.publichealthontario.ca or www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/ Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352
March 29, 2018 – Important first steps but still not enough
The 2018 Ontario Budget proposes a number of important changes to social assistance, but Peterborough Public Health notes that for local residents on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program, the proposed basic needs and maximum shelter rates increase of 3% per year for the next three years, though welcomed, is still not enough to be able to afford housing and healthy food.
Peterborough Public Health’s 2017 Limited Incomes report based on income scenarios that compared the cost of a Nutritious Food Basket and local housing costs with local incomes clearly demonstrates that social assistance rates are not high enough.
“Low income residents are forced to choose between housing, a healthy diet and other basic needs. This has a profound impact on health because income influences living conditions and affects our overall quality of life and general well-being” states Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our recent Low Income and its Impact on Health Report shows that individuals living on low incomes have higher rates of chronic disease and are more likely to die earlier that individuals who are better off financially. It would have been preferable if yesterday’s budget incorporated the higher three-year rate increases outlined in the 2017 Income Security: A Roadmap for Change report.”
One in six of all households in Peterborough struggles with not having enough money to pay the rent and afford food. The situation is even more serious for local low-income households and households with children under 18 years of age.
Analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey responses shows that locally, 38% of low income households report being food insecure.
“One in three households raising children in Peterborough is challenged to pay the rent and buy healthy food that is essential for the healthy growth and development of children,” said Carolyn Doris, Registered Dietitian at Peterborough Public Health.
The analysis also shows that severe food insecurity – missing meals, reducing food intake and at the most extreme, going without food for a day or more – is a local concern. “Rates of extreme food insecurity are higher here in comparison to Ontario rates,” said Ms. Doris. She noted that 20% of low income households report experiencing severe food insecurity, as compared to 9% of Ontario low income households. “This clearly shows how closely tied income and food insecurity are as local families are forced to go without or use cheap and less nutritious foods to fill bellies. It takes more than food to solve hunger.”
Food insecurity is more than a food problem; it is caused by a lack of income. The Peterborough Food Action Network (PFAN) encourages all local residents to learn more about why “No Money for Food is…Cent$less” by visiting www.odph.ca/centsless.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
