Peterborough Public Health to Close Travel Clinic
Written by Communications, October 23, 2018
Most Travel Vaccinations Available Through Pharmacies and Healthcare Providers
Update: To find a current list of travel clinics, please click here.
Peterborough Public Health announced today that it is no longer accepting new patients into its Travel Clinic effective November 1, 2018. Current patients will continue receiving care after this date until their course of treatment is complete.
“With the release of the new Ontario Public Health Standards in January 2018, public health agencies are no longer mandated by the province to provide travel health services,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This came as a result of the fact that most travel vaccinations are now widely available at most pharmacies and through residents’ own healthcare providers.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that travel health information is also available on government websites such as www.travel.gc.ca and that residents can find a full listing of credible online travel health sites at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. Residents can also book a dedicated travel consultations with a health professional at travel clinics in Bancroft, Cobourg and Lindsay.
The Board of Health made a decision at its September meeting to wind down the travel services.
“Although we regret that the clinic will close, the good news is that all staff currently working in the clinic will not be laid off and will be reassigned to other roles,” said Dr. Salvaterra.
She noted that Peterborough Public Health is actively seeking out community partners to determine if there is any interest in the community to provide travel health services. Travel health consultations involve ensuring those visiting other countries are vaccinated against exotic diseases, and given information to prevent injuries and exposure to food and water borne illnesses.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391