News & Updates for Health Professionals

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Updated January 17, 2022
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Current News & Updates

Date Content
January 15, 2022 Update: Recommended COVID-19 Vaccine Interval for Children 5-11
Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
Update: COVID-19 Vaccine for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised Individuals
Update: Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination
January 11, 2022 Update: Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccine Availability at a Toronto City-run Immunization Clinic
Update: Post COVID-19 Infection & Vaccine Administration
January 7, 2022 Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
Update: Ministry of Long-Term Care Memo
New: Prioritization of Booster Vaccines in Pregnancy
Update: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine (30 mcg) Supply
Update: Submitting Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination for Documentation in COVaxON
Reminder & Update: COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised Individuals
January 4, 2022 Update: New Shifts for Physicians at City-Run COVID-19 Immunization Clinics in January and February 2022
Date Content
December 31, 2021
  • Update: COVID-19 Testing and Isolation Guidelines
  • New: Documenting Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Half Dose Boosters in COVaxON
  • New: N95 Mask Fit Testing for Primary Care Providers and Community Healthcare Workers in Toronto
  • Update: Ordering N95 Masks – Model 3M 1870+
December 22, 2021
  • Update: Call for Physicians to Staff Additional Shifts at City-Run COVID-19 Immunization Clinics in December/January
  • Update: Revised Ministry of Health Directives for Hospitals, Long-Term Care Homes, Ambulance Services, and Health Care Providers
  • Update: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine-First Approach to Vaccination for Individuals Aged 30 and Older
  • Update: Updated Case and Contact Management for All COVID-19 Cases: Omicron Surge
December 18, 2021
  • New: Request from Chief Medical Officer of Health to Primary Care Providers to Focus Efforts on COVID-19 Vaccination
  • New: How to Support the Toronto COVID-19 Vaccination Effort
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations – Expansion of Booster Dose Eligibility and Shortened Interval
  • Update: Interim IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19, and Webinar for Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes
  • Update: Revised Chief Medical Officer of Health Directives
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet
December 10, 2021
  • New: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
  • New: Omicron Evidence Brief
  • Update: Actions to Enhance Response to Omicron Variant
  • Update: Ministry of Health Updates COVID-19 Screening Tool for Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes
December 3, 2021
  • New: First COVID-19 Cases Confirmed with the Omicron Variant Identified in Toronto
  • Update: Pfizer-BioNTech (30 µg) and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Lot Expiration Extension
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccination in Children e-Learning Module
  • Reminder: Ordering School-Based Vaccines in Primary Care
  • Reminder: Mild Symptoms in Fully Vaccinated Individuals may be due to COVID-19 Infection
  • New: Team Toronto Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Screening Form
  • Update: Expanded Third Dose Eligibility, and Re-Vaccination against COVID-19 for Some Immunocompromised Individuals
  • Update: Ministry COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Documents Updated
November 26, 2021
  • Alert: Lead Toxicity from Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Update: Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine Resources and Guidance from the Ministry of Health
  • Update: Recording of Toronto Public Health’s “Vaccinating Children 5-11 Years Old with COVID-19 Vaccine” has been Posted
  • Update: Booking a COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment using the Provincial Booking System at City-run or Toronto East Health Partner Clinics
  • Update: Ordering and Handling of Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Vials
  • New: Thank You and Best Wishes to Dr. Navarro
November 22, 2021
  • Update: Ministry of Health Guidance for Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (10 µg)
  • Update: Booking COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments at City-run Clinics Begins on November 23
November 19, 2021

 
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for 5 to 11 Year Olds
  • Reminder: Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine for People who are Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Updates
  • New: PPE Auditing Resources from Public Health Ontario
November 12, 2021
  • Update: Register Now for “Vaccinating Children 5-11 Years Old with COVID-19 Vaccine”
  • New: Ministry of Health Update: COVID-19 Provincial Testing and Clearance Guidance
November 3, 2021
  • Update: NACI and Ministry of Health Recommendations for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Update: Parent Resources and Planning Survey for COVID-19 Vaccination of Children Aged 5-11
  • Update: School Immunization Program at City-run Immunization Clinics Ended October 31, 2021
October 27, 2021
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine for those who are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Planning a Pregnancy
  • Update: NACI Updates on mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies and Optimal Interval between mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
October 22, 2021
  • Update: Expanded Eligibility of COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years of Age and Older
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations – Patients May Bring Proof of Prescription/Medication to Vaccine Clinics
  • Update: Options for Getting Patients Vaccinated Against COVID-19
  • Update: Ministry of Health Updates:
    • COVID-19 Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting,
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, and
    • Guidance for Routine Immunization Services During COVID-19
October 15, 2021
  • Update: Guidance for Case, Contact, and Outbreak Management for Fully Vaccinated and Previously Positive Individuals
  • Reminder: Balancing In-Person and Virtual Care in Clinical Practice
October 8, 2021
  • New: OCEAN Users May Report AEFIs to TPH Using this Platform
  • Update: One-Week Delay of Flu Vaccine Shipments to Toronto Health Care Providers
  • New: SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service
  • New: Respiratory Health Forum 2021: How to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Your Primary Care Practice
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations
  • New: Resources for the Assessment of Colds and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI)
October 1, 2021
  • New: Preparation for COVID-19 Vaccination of 5-11 Year Olds
  • Update: NACI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines and Co-administration
  • New: Ontario Recommends Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for People 18-24 Years Old
  • Update: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination for Long-Term Care Homes Staff
September 23, 2021
  • Update: Implementation of the 2021-22 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP)
  • Update: Referrals for Administration of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Update: Expanded Eligibility for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Update: Sample Statement of Medical Exemption to COVID-19 Vaccine
September 17, 2021
  • Update:Changes to the Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report
  • Update: Definition for COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status
  • Update: Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated Outside of Ontario or Canada
  • New: Guidance for the Evaluation of Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Update: Updated Ministry of Health Guidance Documents
  • New: Ontario Science Table Brief on COVID-19 in Pregnant Individuals
September 10, 2021
  • Update: Referral Letter or Referral Form equired for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines
September 3, 2021
  • New: Eligible Students May Receive School-Based Vaccinations at City-run COVID-19 Immunization Clinics
  • Update: Extension of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration Dates
  • New: Ontario to Require Proof of Vacination against COVID-19 in Select Settings
  • New: Summary of Infection Prevention and Control Key Principles and Best Practices for Clinical Office Practice
August 30, 2021
  • Update: Referral Process for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Update: Unused COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
  • Update: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Everyone 12 Years Old and Older
  • Update: Ministry of Health Updates to Screening and Self-Assessment Tools for Various Settings and Reference Document for Symptoms
August 20, 2021
  • Update: Expanded Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility for Youth Born in 2009
  • New: SickKids Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Services for Youth 12-17 Years Old
  • New: Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Reminder: Let’s Get Closer to 100% COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Update: Reporting Vaccine Administration Deviations or Errors
  • Update: CDC Strengthens its Recommendation that Pregnant and Breastfeeding People be Vaccinated Against COVID-19
  • New: Mandatory Vaccination Policies in High-Risk Settings in Ontario
August 13, 2021
  • Update: Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Case and Contact Management Guidelines
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Billing Codes
  • Reminder: Primary Care Providers and General Pediatricians: Please Complete TPH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Survey
August 6, 2021
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Survey
July 30, 2021
  • Update: Toronto Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccine Program Now Expanding, Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Available
  • Update: 2021 Guidelines on Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening
  • Update: Reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following AstraZeneca and Janssen COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Update: Primary Care Practice Resources and OCFP Community of Practice Webinar RE: Increasing In-Person Visits and COVID-19
  • Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Billing Codes for Primary Care
  • Update: Ontario Ministry of Health Vaccine Hesitancy Resources
July 24, 2021
  • New: Launch of Action IPAC Series
  • Update: Changes to the Ontario Publicly Funded  Rotavirus Immunization Program
  • Update: New and Updated COVID-19 Resources for Health Care Providers
  • Update: Walk-in vaccinations are available from noon to 7 p.m. for anyone 12 years of age and older at all nine City-run COVID-19 immunization clinics
July 16, 2021
  • Update: Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 Updates: Changes to Directive #3, and the Requirement for Repeated Surveillance Testing
  • Update: COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report
July 9, 2021
  • Update: Interim Guidance on the Identification and Management of mRNA-vaccine Induced Myocarditis and Pericarditis in Youth
  • New: Primary Care Resource for Building Confidence in Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Update: Eligibility for Second Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Expanded to Everyone Aged 12 and Older
July 2, 2021
  • Update: NACI Provides Updated Guidance Regarding Very Rare Cases of Myocarditis/Pericarditis Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Errors and Deviations Guidance
  • New: Decision Making Tool for Vaccination in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
  • New: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Health Care Providers and Patients
June 25, 2021
  • New: Ontario Health Providing an Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report
  • Update: Changes to the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Product Monograph and Incoming Shipments
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccine Data Entry for Doses Given Outside Ontario
  • New: Q&A for Health Care Providers on Mixed COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Schedules
  • Update: City-run COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Administering Moderna Vaccine
  • New: Downloading COVID-19 Vaccine Receipts
June 18, 2021
  • Update: Interchangeability Recommendation for Second Doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
June 17, 2021
  • Update: Accelerated Second Dose for People Who Received a First Dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine
  • Update: Reports of Myocarditis/Pericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ for Health Care Providers
  • Reminder: Animal Exposures and Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
June 11, 2021
  • Update: Expansion of Eligibility for Accelerated Second Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccine Series Second Dose Eligibility Quick Reference Guide
  • Update: AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Q&A for Health Care Providers
  • New: COVID-19 Vaccine Learning Modules and Education Series for Health Care Providers
  • Update: Vaccine Storage and Handling Guide for Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines
June 4, 2021
  • Reminder: Safe Injection Practices
  • New: Syncopal Episodes at COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinics
  • New: Interchangeability of COVID-19 Vaccines: NACI Recommendations and Ontario Ministry of Health Guidance
  • New: Myocarditis/ Pericarditis Following mRNA Vaccine
  • Update: Extension of Expiration Date of Specific Lots of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Criteria Expanded for First and Second Doses
  • New: Resources for Youth Vaccinations
  • Update: Pan-Canadian Vaccine Injury Support Program
May 22, 2021
  • Update: Ontario Proceeding with Second Dose of AstraZeneca Vaccine for those who Received their First Dose from March 10 to 19, 2021
  • Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended for Breastfeeding and Pregnant People
  • Update: Expanded Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines to People 18 Years of Age and Older
  • New: NACI Recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for 12-18 Year-Olds and Expanded Vaccine Eligibility
  • Update: Ministry of Health Updates to Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes
May 12, 2021
  • Update: Ontario Pausing Rollout of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine
  • Update: Awareness of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) in Ontario
  • New: Simultaneous Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines with other Vaccines
  • Update: Expanded Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Update: Highest Priority Health Care Workers Eligible to Receive Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Earlier than 16 Weeks
  • New: Interim Guidance for Case and Contact Management of Fully Vaccinated Individuals
  • Update: Guidance for the Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19
May 4, 2021
  • Update: Updated NACI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccination for Toronto Residents without OHIP Cards
  • New: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccines for Healthcare Providers
  • New: COVID-19 Directive #2: Questions and Answers
April 23, 2021
  • Reminder: Scale Back of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Case Management Program
  • New: Pregnant People Now Eligible for Vaccination as a Phase 2 Priority Population
  • New: Vaccination of People with Highest Risk Health Conditions Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination in Phase 2
  • New: Centre for Effective Practice has Published New Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Reminder: Call for Toronto Primary Care Providers to Join AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 Vaccine Program Expansion
  • New: COVID-19 Specialist Consultations Available through Ontario eConsult Service
  • Reminder: Report Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) and COVID-19 Infections Separately
  • Update: Individuals 40 Years of Age or Older are Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD
  • Update: Ministry of Health Updates to Directives #3 and #5 for Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes
April 6, 2021
  • Update: AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine Roll-out in Toronto
  • New: City of Toronto’s Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan
  • Update: Coordination of COVID-19 Vaccinations for Homebound Individuals in Toronto
  • Update: Extended Deadline for Call for Physician Immunizers at City of Toronto Mass Immunization Clinics
April 1, 2021
  • Update: Update on the Use of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine
  • New: Rationale for Extended COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Intervals and Limited Exceptions
  • New: Best Practices for Managing COVID-19 Outbreaks in Acute Care Settings
  • New: COVID-19 Reportable Disease Notification Form
March 26, 2021
  • New: Call for Physician Immunizers at City of Toronto Mass Immunization Clinics
  • Update: Expanded COVID-19 Eligibility for People 70 years of Age and Older at Toronto Mass Immunization Clinics
  • Revised Update: Allergy Referrals for the COVID-19 Vaccine
March 23, 2021
  • Update: Vaccination Strategies for Homebound Persons in Toronto
  • Update: Expanded COVID-19 Eligibility for 75+ Year Olds and Phase 1 High Priority Health Care Workers
  • New: Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Update: Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility for 60+ Year Olds in AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 Vaccine Pilots in Toronto
  • Update: Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients with Allergies
March 16, 2021
  • New: AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Pilots Begin in Toronto
  • New: Vaccine Roll-out to Adults Receiving Chronic Home Care
  • New: Launch of City of Toronto Mass Immunization Clinics for those Aged 80+ and Provincial COVID-19 Vaccine Booking System
  • Update: Delayed Local Reactions Due to COVID-19 Vaccinations with Moderna
  • New: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine and Adverse Events Following Immunization
March 8, 2021
  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Registration for “Highest” and “Very High” Priority Healthcare Workers with an “M” Postal Code Home or Primary Practice Address
  • New: AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson Vaccines Approved for Use in Canada
  • New: NACI Rapid Response: Exteded Dose Intervals for COVID-19 Vaccines to Optimize Early Vaccine Rollout and Population Protection in Canada
February 19, 2021
  • New: Coordination between TPH and Toronto Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) for Primary Care Delivery of COVID-19 Vaccines
  • New: COVID-19: Guidance for Prioritizing Health Care Workers for COVID-19 Vaccination
  • New: Ministry of Health Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Variants of Concern
  • Update: Changes to TPH’s Student and Staff Screening Tool for Schools
  • Update: Early Abilities Preschool Speech and Language Program Online Registration Form Updated
January 25, 2021
  • Update: Resolved – Shortage of Bicillin® L-A for Syphilis Treatment
  • New: Health Professionals Website Updated with COVID-19 Vaccine Information
  • New: Vaccine Distribution to Community Health Professionals to Begin in Phase 2
  • New: Evidence of Consultation for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine at TPH Vaccine Clinics
  • New: Ministry of Health Guidance Document for COVID-19 Immunization in Long-term Care and Retirement Homes
  • Reminder: Public Health Management of Asymptomatic Positive Cases of COVID-19
  • Update: The Ontario Ministry of Health has Published Updates to the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules
Date Content
December 17, 2020
  • New: COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Canada
  • New:  Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) reporting form
  • New: COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Canada
  • New:  Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) reporting form
  • Update: FluLaval Tetra lots removed from quarantine
  • New: Government of Canada announces no-fault vaccine injury program for vaccines FluLaval Tetra lots removed from quarantine
  • New: Government of Canada announces no-fault vaccine injury program for vaccines
December 9, 2020
  • Alert: Quarantine FluLaval Tetra, lot # KX9F7 & #J442P
  • Update: Changes to COVID-19 K-12 Student and Child Care Screening Tools
  • New: The Province has Procured Additional Quadrivalent Vaccines in Addition and Flumist® by Nasal Spray is Also Now Available
  • New: Shortage of Specimen Collection Kits for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhea Testing
  • Update: Shortage of Bicillin® L-A for Syphilis Treatment
  • Update: Shortage of Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment Continues
December 9, 2020
  • Update: Grade 7/8 Student Immunization Program
  • New: Checklist -Infection Prevention and Control Assessment for Primary Care, Specialty and Walk-in Clinics during COVID-19
October 21, 2020
  • New: TPH launches online booking for flu vaccine clinics
  • Reminder: Roles and responsibilities for influenza vaccines
  • New: Public Health Management of a COVID-19 Positive Patient
October 9, 2020
  • New: TPH Updates COVID-19 Community Case and Contact Management Process
  • Update: Flu Vaccine Delivery for Toronto Providers
  • Reminder: High-dose TIV Preferred for Adults 65+
  • Reminder: Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza (QIV) for pregnant patients
  • Update: Public Health Ontario (PHO) Respiratory Virus Testing Update
  • New: Publicly Funded Shingles Vaccine Changing to Shingrix®
  • Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidelines
  • Update: COVID-19 Screening Guidance for Schools and Child Care
  • New: COVID-19 Back to School Confirmation Form
September 23, 2020
  • New: School Reopening Guidance for Toronto Health Care Providers
  • New: Influenza Vaccination during COVID-19 Pandemic
  • New: Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccines for the 2020/2021 Flu Season
  • New: 2020/2021 Flu Vaccine Delivery and Ordering for Toronto Healthcare Providers
  • Update: COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms
August 14, 2020
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector
  • New: COVID Alert Exposure Notification App Information for Health Care Providers
August 7, 2020
  • Update: Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance
  • Update: PPE for family physicians from the Ministry of Health/Ontario Health
June 27, 2020
  • Update: Glove Use during Routine Immunization
  • Update: COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart
  • New: Resumption of Visitors to Acute Care Settings Recommended
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance: Acute Care
  • New: Reopening Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
  • Update: Guidance for Community Pharmacies and Independent Health Facilities
  • Update: COVID-19 Testing and Clearance
June 1, 2020
  • Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance Documents
  • New: Mental Health Support for Patients and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19
May 20, 2020
  • New: Multisystem Inflammatory Vasculitis
  • Update: COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance
  • Update: COVID-19 Patient Screening Guidance Document
  • New: NACI Guidelines RE: Interim Guidance on Continuity of Immunization Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 24, 2020
  • New: Section 22 Class Order – Information for Health Care Providers
  • Update: COVID-19 Testing and Clearance Guidance
  • New: Guidance for Immunization Service Providers During COVID-19
April 17, 2020
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes
  • Update: COVID-19 Testing Guidance
  • Update: COVID-19 Clearance Criteria
  • Reminder: Routine Vaccinations during COVID-19
  • Reminder: Animal Exposures and Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
  • New: Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Service Modified Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic
April 2, 2020
  • New: Management of Individuals who have not been Tested for COVID-19
  • New: COVID-19 Isolation Discharge Criteria
  • New: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance and Recommendations
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting
  • New: COVID-19 Guidance & Recommendations for Long-term Care Homes (LTCH)
  • New: Modifying Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) to Ensure Access to Care while Following COVID-19 Precautions During Toronto’s Overdose Crisis
  • Reminder: Immunizations for Infants and Children are Essential
March 20, 2020
  • Update: COVID-19 Guidance & Recommendations
  • Update: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment
  • New: Alternative Specimen Collection Kits for COVID-19
  • New: COVID-19 Recommendations for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
  • New: Toronto COVID-19 Assessment Centres
  • Update: Recommendations for Returning Travellers
  • New: Scale back of TPH Programs
  • New: Routine Provincial Cancer Screening Program Change
March 6, 2020
  • Update: Lab Testing for COVID-19 & Other Respiratory Viruses
  • Reminder: Appropriate Use of Eye Protection
  • Reminder: Advice for Returning Travellers
February 27, 2020
  • Reminder: OGPMSS Year-End Inventory Shutdown
  • New: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
February 14, 2020
  • Update: Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance Documents for Various Health Care Sectors
  • Update: Testing for COVID-19
  • New: Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance Documents for Independent Health Facilities, Pharmacies and Laboratories
February 8, 2020
  • Update: 2019-nCoV Case Definition
  • Update: Ontario Ministry of Health – Question and Answers – Personal Protective Equipment Supply – 2019 Novel Coronavirus
  • New: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Preliminary Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for 2019-nCoV
February 2, 2020
  • Update: Ontario Ministry of Health 2019-nCoV Guidance Documents for Various Health Care Sectors
January 29, 2020
  • New: 2019-nCoV Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting
  • Update: 2019-nCoV Person Under Investigation Definition
  • Update: Travel Advisory for China and Hubei Province
January 24, 2020
  • New: Diseases caused by novel coronaviruses are now reportable to the Medical Officer of Health
  • New: 2019-nCoV testing guidelines from Public Health Ontario
  • New: Guidance from the Ministry of Health on precautions for acute care settings: contact, droplet and airborne
January 17, 2020
  • New: Advisory Committee Statement on Zika Virus Prevention and Treatment
January 9, 2020
  • Update: Discontinuing Rabies Immunoglobulin Sparing Protocol
January 8, 2020
  • New: Cluster of Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan, China
Date Content
December 9, 2019
  • Reminder: Influenza Vaccine Administration
  • New: Hepatitis B Vaccine Packaging
  • Reminder: Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Service (OGMPSS) Holiday Closure
November 29, 2019
  • Update: Vaccine Hesitancy – Strategies to Support Primary Care Providers
  • New: Etizolam Implicated in Several Overdose Deaths in Toronto
  • Update: High Dose Influenza Vaccine Now Available
  • New: Indicate Chickenpox or Shingles on General Lab Test Requisition Form for Varicella
November 14, 2019
  • Update: Influenza HD-TIV Shipments
  • Reminder: Register now for vaccine hesitancy: Strategies to Support Primary Care Providers
October 24, 2019
  • New: Register now for vaccine hesitancy: Strategies to Support Primary Care Providers
October 7, 2019
  • Update: Changes in Ontario cessation supports – Smokers Helpline and Telehealth
  • New: Expert Panel Q&A on Vaping Webinar
September 25, 2019
  • New: Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccines for 2019/2020 for Toronto
  • New: 2019/2020 Flu Vaccine Delivery for Toronto Healthcare Providers
  • Update: 2019/2020 Influenza Season – Lab-Confirmed Cases in Toronto
September 9, 2019
  • New: Health Canada warns of potential risk of pulmonary illness associated with vaping products
  • Update: Interim Rabies Immune Globulin-sparing Measures
August 21, 2019
  • New: Interim Rabies Immune Globulin-sparing Measure*

*August 22, 2019 update: A minor revision in the protocol states that if there are multiple wounds, each wound should be locally infiltrated with a portion of the rabies immune globulin (RabIg) using a separate needle and syringe. RabIg can be diluted in a diluent permitted by the specific product labelling in order to provide the full amount of RabIg required for thorough infiltration of all wounds.

  • Reminder: Risk Assessment for Bat Exposures
August 16, 2019
  • New: Locally-acquired cyclosporiasis
  • Update: Implications of the Southern Hemisphere influenza season
August 13, 2019
  • Alert: First Case of Locally Acquired West Nile Virus 2019 Confirmed
August 2, 2019
  • New: Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Shortages
  • New: Changes to Formulations of Rabies Immune Globulin in Ontario
July 24, 2019
  • Update: Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
July 2, 2019
  • Alert: Carfentanil increase in Ontario
  • New: Online Referral Available for HBHC Home Visiting Program
June 25, 2019
  • New: Measles Information for Clinicians
  • New: HPV4 Replaced with HPV9
  • New: Interim Use of Engerix-B® Vaccine for Renal Dialysis Patients
  • New: Health Canada Issues Gentian Violet Warning
  • New: Closure of Motherisk Helplines
June 3, 2019
  • Update: Ongoing outbreak of XDR S. Typhi in Pakistan
  • Reminder: 18-month Well Baby Visit – Role of the Physician
May 16, 2019
  • Update: Lyme Disease 2019
  • Update: Recommendation for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
  • New: TPH’s 2019 CME Event – We Need Your Input
May 13, 2019
  • New: Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
April 26, 2019
  • New: Online Animal Exposure Reporting Tool
  • Survey: Inform TPH’s New Dental Project
  • Reminder: MMR Vaccine Recommendations
March 29, 2019
  •  New: Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
March 13, 2019
  • New: Extensively Drug-Resistant Typhoid Fever in Pakistan (correction)
March 8, 2019
  • Alert: Limited Supply of Shingles Vaccine
March 5, 2019
  • New: Potential Measles Exposure in Toronto
February 6, 2019
  • New: Potential Measles Exposure at Pearson International Airport
January 28, 2019
  • New: HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Online CME Module
  • Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply
  • New: Ongoing National Shortage of Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment
Date Content
December 21, 2018
  • New: Potential Measles Exposures in Toronto
  • Update: NACI recommendation for measles post-exposure prophylaxis
  • New: Health Quality Ontario Individualized Primary Care Reports
December 5, 2018
  • Update: Spotlight on Substance Use & Addiction in Primary Care CME Event
  • New: Hepatitis Vaccine Shortages on Private Market
  • Reminder: OGPMSS Holiday Closure & Delivery Schedule Update
  • New: Td POLIO (Td-IPV) is No Longer Available
November 16, 2018
  • Reminder: Register for Spotlight on Substance Use & Addiction in Primary Care: Opioids, Cannabis, Alcohol & Smoking
  • Update: Ontario Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment Guide (2nd Edition)
  • Reminder: Visual Screening during Well-Child Visits
October 26, 2018
  • New: Acute Flaccid Paralysis Cases in Ontario, Including Toronto
  • Update: 2018-2019 Influenza Season – Lab-Confirmed Cases in Toronto
  • New: Register Now for Spotlight on Substance Use & Addiction in Primary Care: Opioids, Cannabis, Alcohol & Smoking
  • New: Influenza Vaccine FAQ for Health Care Providers
October 19, 2018
  • Update: Order Additional Influenza Vaccine Now
October 15, 2018
  • Update: HD-TIV Influenza Vaccine for Adults, 65+
  • New: Changes to OGPMSS Vaccine Delivery Schedule
  • Save the Date: Spotlight on Substance Use & Addiction in Primary Care
September 28, 2018
  • Alert: Listeria Investigation in Toronto
September 21, 2018
  • New: 2018-2019 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
  • New: FASD Prevalence Rates Higher than Previous Estimates
September 18, 2018
  • New: Non-medical Cannabis Legalization and Regulation – Recommendations for Health Care Providers
  • Reminder: Encourage Patients to Exclusively Breastfeed until Six Months
  • New: OGPMSS Toronto Client Vaccine Order Form
  • Update: Herpes Zoster Vaccines NACI Statement Now Available Online
  • Reminder: Toronto Public Health’s West Nile Virus Bulletin
August 22, 2018
  • Update: TPH’s 2018 CME Event – Substance Use & Addictions
  • New: Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives as First Line Contraception for Youth
  • Update: Rotarix No Longer Available from OGP
 July 27, 2018
  • Alert: Toronto’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2018 Confirmed
  • New: Rotavirus Vaccine Changes
  • New: Locally-acquired Cyclospora Infections in Ontario
 June 22, 2018
  • Update: Paused Implementation of Immunization Reporting Change
  • New: National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Recommendation on Herpes Zoster Vaccines
  • New: Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (CASL) Guidelines for Hepatitis C Testing and Management
June 15, 2018
  • Updated:  Reporting Requirements for Immunizations
June 12, 2018
  • New: Confirmed Hepatitis A Infection in a Toronto Food Handler
  • Update: Increase in Non-Travel Related Hepatitis A Cases
  • New: Pride Month in Toronto – What Health Care Providers Need to Know
  • Update: TPH’s STI Treatment Reference Guide
June 5, 2018
  • Alert: Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
May 29, 2018
  • New: Increase in Infant Botulism Cases in Ontario and Canada
  • New: Immunization Reporting Requirements
  • Reminder: Monitor Child Development in Preschool Patients
May 17, 2018
  • Lyme Disease 2018
May 8, 2018
  • Alert:  Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
May 4, 2018
  • New: Changes to Ontario Reportable Diseases – Effective May 1, 2018
  • New: Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) Information for Health Care Providers
  • New: Leaking Vaccine Syringe – Potential Risk of Underdosing
April 19, 2018
  • Reminder: Risk of Blood-borne Virus Transmission with Blood Glucose Monitoring Equipment
  • New: Pediatric Dental Health Screening Guide for Health Care Providers
April 4, 2018
  • Update: Listeria Outbreak
  • Update: Implementing the 2017 Ontario Perinatal Record – TPH Programs to Support Your Patients
  • New: Reproductive, Family and Child Health Web page for Health Professionals
March 21, 2018
  • Listeria Monocytogenes – Clinical and Food Testing Guidelines for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks (PHO)
  • Alert: Confirmed Cases of Listeria Infection in Toronto
March 13, 2018
  • New: TPH’s 2018 CME Event – We Need Your Input
  • New: NACI Statement – Immunization in Pregnancy with Tdap Vaccine
  • Update: OGPMSS temporary closure for year-end inventory
  • New: Case of Mycobacterium chimaera in Toronto
  • Reminder: Human papillomavirus vaccine is free for MSM up to 26 years of age
February 9, 2018 
  • Update: Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness – A Clinician’s Guide for the Current Season
  • Update: Provincial HIV/HTLV lab test requisition form
February 1, 2018
  • Update: Give QIV influenza vaccine to all unvaccinated individuals for the rest of the 2017-2018 season
  • Update: Increase in Hepatitis A cases among Men who have sex with Men
January 24, 2018
  • New: Changes to Vaccine Ordering Through TPH
Date Content
December 22, 2017
  • New: Alternative Treatment of N. gonorrhoeae
  • New: Reprocessing Resource Update
  • Alert: 2017-2018 Influenza Vaccine
  • Update: HIV and STIs and BBIs, Oh My! CME Event
December 1, 2017
  • New: World AIDS Day & Canadian Guidelines for HIV PrEP & PEP.
November 30, 2017
  • Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply
  • Seve the date: HIV and STIs and BBIs, Oh My! Additional Session.
November 21, 2017
  • Update: Influenza Vaccine Delivery Delays and Temporary Use of QIV for Adults
  • Update: Mumps Outbreak Continues in Toronto
October 31, 2017
  • Update: 2017-2018 Influenza Season – Lab-Confirmed Cases
  • Update: HIV PrEP
  • Update: “HIV and STIs and BBIs, Oh My!” CME Event
  • Reminder: Influenza Vaccines by Age Groups
October 16, 2017
  • Update: Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus
  • Update: Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS- CoV)
  • New: Product Replacement Pediacel®
September 28, 2017
  • New: Hepatitis A Increase in MSM in Toronto
  • New: Register Now For “HIV, and STI’s and BBI’s, Oh My!”
  • Update: 2017-2018 Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
  • New: Blastomycosis Cases Occurring in the Manitoulin District
  • Update: School Suspensions for Elementary Students without Up-to-date Immunization Records
  • Reminder: Clinics to Help Your Patients Quit Smoking
September 7, 2017
  • Update: Ontario’s Publicly funded HPV Immunization Program
August 25, 2017
  • Update: Increase in Locally-Acquired Lyme Disease Cases
  • Alert: Toronto’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2017 Confirmed
  • Update: 2017 Ontario Perinatal Record
  • Reminder: September is FASD Awareness Month – Role of the Health Care Provider
July 28, 2017
  • New: TPH’s 2017 CME Event – We Need Your Input
  • Update: Eliminate Hepatitis – Role of the Health Care Provider
  • New: OHIP+ Children and Youth Pharmacare Program
July 17, 2017
  • New: Cyclosporiasis Investigation
  • Update: Lyme Disease 2017
  • New: Opioid-Related Harm in Toronto
June 29, 2017
  • New: Hepatitis A Investigation in Toronto
June 26, 2017
  • New: Hepatitis A Outbreaks Among MSM in Europe, Chile and New York City
  • Update: Toronto’s Mumps Outbreak Continues
  • Correction: HPV Vaccine Eligibility Clarification
June 2, 2017
  • Reminder: Expedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia
  • Reminder: Preconception Health Care Tool to Screen for Potential Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
  • Update: Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations
  • Update: HPV-0 Vaccine (Gardasil®9) 2-dose Recommendations®
May 10, 2017
  • Update:  Rabies Info for Health Professionals
  • Update: TPH Declares  Measles Outbreak Over
April 27, 2017
  • New: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Screening Guidelines for Adults
March 30, 2017
  • New: Introducing Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s New Medical Officer of Health
  • Alert: Measles Cases Confirmed in Toronto
March 9, 2017
  • Update: Recommendations on the Prevention and Treatment of Zika Virus for Canadian health care professionals
  • Update: Mumps Outbreak – Cases in School-Aged Children
  • New: Toronto Seniors Helpline 416-217-2077
  • Reminder: Group A Streptococcus Infections in Homeless Individuals
February 22, 2017
  • Update: Mumps Virus Continues to Circulate in Toronto
February 21, 2017
  • Alert: Botulism Risk with Baby Food Recall
February 9, 2017
  • Alert: Mumps cases among young adults in Toronto
January 31, 2017
  • Reminder: Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
  • Update: Meningococcal Vaccine for High School Students
  • New: CME Accredited Event March 22, 201
January 13, 2017
  • Update: 2016-2017 Influenza Season
  • Reminder: Screening for Hepatitis B
  • New: Pharmacists Now Able to Provide 13 Additional Vaccines
Date Content
December 2, 2016
  • Update: Low Stock of Tdap-IPV and Shingles Vaccines
  • Reminder: Influenza Vaccination
  • Reminder: Glucometer Use and Bloodborne Disease Transmission
October 20, 2016
  • Update: School Suspensions for Elementary Students without Updated Immunization Records
  • Update: Resurgence of Syphilis and Lymphogranuloma Venereum in Toronto
  • Update: Flu Nasal Spray versus Injection Vaccine for Kids
October 6, 2016
  • Update: 2016-2017 Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
September 21, 2016
  • Reminder: Ontario’s Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit
  • New: Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) and Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance
  • New: 2016-2017 Influenza Season – First Lab Confirmed Cases
September 14, 2016
  • MERS-CoV & the 2016 Hajj
September 9, 2016
  • Alert: Toronto’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2016 Confirmed
  • New: Publicly-funded HPV-4 (Gardasil®) vaccine now available for MSM up to 26 years of age
  • New: Shingles Vaccine to be Added to Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Persons 65 to 70 Years of Age
  • Reminder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
 August 22, 2016
  • Zika virus infection in travellers returning from the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Brazil
  • Update: Availability of Bicillin L-A For Treatment of Syphilis
August 12, 2016
  • Update:  Travel Health Notice regarding precautions for travel to countries where Zika virus is circulating
  • Update: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Directives Rescinded
July 13, 2016
  • Update: Lyme Disease Testing, Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario
  • Update: Things That Bite: Rabies, Lyme Disease, Zika, etc.
  • New: Test TPH Pediatric Dental Health Screening Tool
June 16, 2016
  • Alert: Recall due to Listeria monocytogenes- Neilson brand Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk
  • New: Truvada approved by Health Canada for pre-exposure propholaxis (PreP) of HIV Infection
  • Update: New sessions added for Things That Bite: Rabies, Lyme Disease, Zika, etc.
  • Request:  Complete Activity for Chance to Win $200.00
May 27, 2016
  • Request: Tell Us What You Think About Communiqué
  • Reminder: Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Complaint Investigations – Sterilizers in Community Office Settings
  • Reminder: Infant Hearing Screening
May 5, 2016
  • New: Interim Guidance on the Management of Syphilis Cases in Toronto
  • New: Ontario Expanding HPV Vaccine Program to Include Boys
  • New: Register Now for TPH’s Things That Bite: Rabies, Lyme Disease, Zika etc. CME* Accredited Event
April 28, 2016
  • Update: Zika Virus Travel Health Notice
  • New: Temporary change of DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine packaging
April 22, 2016
  • Update: Costco Food Product Recall Associated with Hepatitis A Cases
April 20, 2016
  • Alert: Costco Food Product Recall Associated with Hepatitis A Cases
April 8, 2016
  • Reminder: Meningococcal Vaccines Required for School Attendance Should be Administered On Time
March 11, 2016
  • Reminder: Hepatitis A Virus in Toronto
  • Reminder: Order Free Menactra® Vaccine for High School Students
  • Reminder: March 24 is World TB Day
  • New: Reprocessing in Community Health Care Settings Online Course
February 11, 2016
  • Update: Zika Virus Infection Information
  • Reminder: Syrian Refugee Healthline
February 5, 2016
  • New: Recall Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
  • Update: 2015-16 Influenza Season
  • New: Resources to Assist Patients Experiencing Postpartum Adjustment Difficulty or Perinatal Mood Disorder
January 28, 2016
  • New: Zika Virus Infection Information
  • New: Rabies in Ontario
  • New: Rabies and Animal Bites/Exposures Webpage for Health
  • New: Lead in Consumer Products
January 25, 2016
  • New: Immunization Information Notice Letters to Students