News & Updates for Health Professionals

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Updated June 20, 2022
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Current News & Updates

Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Care Providers
Update: Monkeypox Educational Webinar for Health Care Providers
New: COVID-19 Community of Practice for Family Physicians – COVID-19 & Monkeypox
New: COVID-19 Vaccination Tool Kit for Health Care Providers

Archived News & Updates - 2022

Date	Content
June 17, 2022	Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Care Providers Update: Monkeypox Educational Webinar for Health Care Providers New: COVID-19 Community of Practice for Family Physicians – COVID-19 & Monkeypox New: COVID-19 Vaccination Tool Kit for Health Care Providers
June 10, 2022	New: Monkeypox Educational Webinar for Health Care Providers Update: COVID-19 Masking Requirements Update: IPAC Guidance in the Clinical Office Practice in Light of Changing COVID-19 Community Incidence Update: Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination New: Return to Work Post-COVID Infection – Guidance for Healthcare Providers
June 1, 2022	Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Professionals
May 21, 2022	Alert: Monkeypox Investigation in Toronto Update: Hospital Reporting of Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children Update: Recombivax HB® Hepatitis B Vaccine for Renal Dosing Available to Order from Ontario Government Pharmacy New: COVID-19 vaccination in your office – Opportunity to Receive Initiation Support from TPH
May 13, 2022	New: Evusheld Information for Health Care Providers New: Refugee HealthLine – Request for Health Care Providers to Provide Transitional Care for Refugees New: Paxlovid Prescribing for Patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants New: Public Health Agency of Canada Webcast – Needle Fear, Pain and Vaccines: Introduction to the CARD System as a Framework for Vaccination Delivery
May 6, 2022	New: Community of Practice Series – Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care New: Hospital Reporting of Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
April 29, 2022	Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccination in Primary Care Updated Needs Assessment Update: Influenza 2021/2022 Season New: Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children New: Health Care Provider Tools for Prescribing Paxlovid New: Paxlovid & Evusheld Townhall Update: PHO COVID-19 IPAC Measures New: Health Connect Ontario replacing Telehealth Ontario Update: Ministry Documents
April 22, 2022	Request: COVID-19 Vaccination in Primary Care Updated Needs Assessment Update: Novavax Available for Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics New: CME Accredited Syphilis Webinar for Health Care Providers New: Tdap Publicly Funded in Ontario for Every Pregnancy Update: Ministry Documents
April 14, 2022	New: Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Expanded Access to COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment New: All about Paxlovid Webinar for Ontario Family Physicians Update: Ministry Documents
April 7, 2022	New: Ontario Expanding Fourth-Dose (second booster dose) COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Reminder: Requesting Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Primary Care Settings New: TPH Offering School-based Vaccines for Grade 7 to 12 Students at School Clinics New: Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service for Individuals who are Pregnant, Breastfeeding or Planning to Conceive Update: Ministry Documents
March 18, 2022	New: Outpatient Therapies for COVID-19 Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
March 7, 2022	Reminder: Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report Update: Eligible People May Receive School-Based Vaccinations at City-Run COVID-19 Immunization Clinics
February 25, 2022	New: Access to COVID-19 Remote Care Monitoring Update: Toronto COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Reminder: COVID-19 Primary Care Community of Practice Groups Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
February 11, 2022	New: Imported Case of a Rabid Dog in Toronto Reminder: Increase Vaccine Coverage among Children 5-11 Years of Age Update: Recommended Interval to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Post COVID-19 Infection Update: Resuming Non-Urgent and Non-Emergent Care Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
February 4, 2022	New: Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections: Guides for Health Professionals Update: The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table Projections New: COVID-19 Resources for Patients Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
January 28, 2022	Update: Adult Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Vaccine Inventory Update: N95 Respirator (Mask) Fit Testing Locations New: City of Toronto Vaccination Clinics Welcoming Walk-ins New: COVID-19 Reporting of Deaths Update: COVID-19 Resource for Pregnant or Breastfeeding IndividualsUpdate: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
January 21, 2022	New: COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres Reminder: Eligibility Criteria for Fourth Dose Booster for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised New: Benefits of the Moderna Spikevax mRNA Vaccine for People Age 30 and over Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Documents
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

Archived News & Updates - 2021

Date	Content
December 31, 2021	Update: COVID-19 Testing and Isolation Guidelines New: Documenting Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Half Dose Boosters in COVax_ON 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: COVax_ON 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

Archived News & Updates - 2020

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

Archived News & Updates - 2019

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

Archived News & Updates - 2018

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

Archived News & Updates - 2017

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

Archived News & Updates - 2016

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