News & Updates for Health Professionals

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Current News & Updates

Date Content

December 9, 2024

NEW: Increase in Shigella sonnei among Underhoused Population
UPDATE: Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent (QIV-HD) Out of Stock

November 22, 2024

NEW: First Locally Acquired H5N1 Avian Influenza Case in Canada
NEW: Increased Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Activity in Ontario
UPDATE: Ordering RSV Vaccine for Infants and High-Risk Children

November 8, 2024

UPDATE: Ordering RSV Vaccine for Infants and High-Risk Children
NEW: Health Canada Encouraging Radon Testing for Toronto Residents
NEW: Vaccination Reminder Letters to High School Students in Toronto
REMINDER: COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering in Toronto

October 30, 2024

NEW: School Suspensions Beginning for Elementary Students Without Up-to-date Immunization Records

October 24, 2024
(Correction)

NEW: 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccines
UPDATE: Influenza Vaccine Ordering
NEW: Publicly Funded RSV Prevention Program for Infants and High-Risk Children
October 11, 2024

UPDATE: COVID-19 Testing Eligibility
NEW: 2024-2025 Universal Influenza Immunization Program
UPDATE: 2024-2025 Homebound Pneumococcal Vaccination Unavailable
UPDATE: TPoxx® Ordering Process
September 12, 2024

NEW: 2024-2025 Homebound Influenza, COVID-19, and Pneumococcal Vaccination Referral Template Now Available
CLARIFICATION: RSV Vaccine Ordering for Eligible Older Adults
September 6, 2024

UPDATE: In Anticipation of Updated Fall/Winter COVID-19 Kp.2 Vaccines, Health Canada Has Withdrawn All Current COVID-19 XBB Vaccines
NEW: Publicly Funded Abrysvo ® (RSV) Vaccination for eligible adults 60 years of age and older
August 27, 2024

REMINDER: Province-Wide Increase in Reported Pertussis Cases. 
July 24, 2024

UPDATE: Increased Mpox Infections in Ontario
July 17, 2024

ALERT: Pool of Mosquitoes in Toronto Test Positive for West Nile Virus
NEW: Changes to Ministry of Health’s Pneumococcal Vaccine Program
NEW: IPAC Resource for Clinical Office Practice
CORRECTION: Test symptomatic patients using PHO Labstract for Listeria
July 12, 2024 ALERT: Recall due to Listeria monocytogenes – Silk® and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages
June 21, 2024 UPDATE: TPH urges vaccination as meningococcal cases increase
June 7, 2024 ALERT: TPH Recommends Meningococcal Vaccination Due to Increasing Cases
REMINDER: Strategies to Improve Vaccine Uptake in Primary Care
NEW: Halton Region Public Health Accredited CME Webinar: Risk, Diagnosis and Management of Tick-Borne Diseases
May 24, 2024 UPDATE: Ontario Health Clinical Recommendations for Antiviral Therapy for Adults with Mild to Moderate COVID-19
REMINDER: Rapid Antigen Tests Can Be Ordered While Provincial Supplies Last
May 3, 2024 NEW: TPH Returns to the Pri-Med Canada Conference
UPDATE: Shingrix® Orders Resume
REMINDER: Return Unused or Expired Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccine to OGPMSS
April 26, 2024 UPDATE: Recommendations for Children Previously Immunized Internationally with Oral Polio Vaccine
UPDATE: Spring 2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
VACCINE ALERT: Pentacel® Vaccine Replacing Pediacel® Vaccine
April 3, 2024 UPDATE: TPH Hosting Additional Mpox Vaccination Clinics
UPDATES and REMINDERS: Measles
ALERT: Shingrix and Hepatitis A Vaccines Out of Stock at the OGPMSS
March 26, 2024 REMINDER: Consider Tuberculosis in the Differential Diagnosis as Active Cases on the Rise in Toronto
March 20, 2024 UPDATE: Increased Mpox Infections in Toronto
March 7, 2024 New: PHO Measles Resource for Health Care Providers
February 28, 2024 UPDATE: TPH Ordering Protocol for STI Medication
February 15, 2024 ALERT: Increase in Global Measles Cases
NEW: Group A Streptococcus Resource for Paediatric Health Care Providers
February 12, 2024 ALERT: Potential Vaccine Delivery Interruption
January 29,2024 UPDATE: TPH Resumes its Immunization Nursing Phone Line for Health Care Providers
UPDATE: Ministry of Health – Vaccine Information for Health Professionals
NEW: COVID-19 Therapeutic Support Line
REMINDER: Reporting Animal Bites and Exposures
January 17, 2024 UPDATE: TPH Holding Community Vaccine Clinics to Support Uptake of ISPA Vaccines in Toronto
UPDATE: Guidance for Routine and Catch-up Immunization Services
UPDATE: Mpox Vaccine Appointments Now Available at TPH Sexual Health Clinics
Date Content
January 17, 2024 UPDATE: TPH Holding Community Vaccine Clinics to Support Uptake of ISPA Vaccines in Toronto
UPDATE: Guidance for Routine and Catch-up Immunization Services
UPDATE: Mpox Vaccine Appointments Now Available at TPH Sexual Health Clinics
December 21, 2023 UPDATE: Increased Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS) in Ontario
December 15, 2023 ALERT: Accelerating Mpox Epidemic with First Documented Occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Clade 1 Mpox Virus
UPDATE: Publicly Funded Arexvy (RSV) Vaccination Eligibility Expanded
NEW: Health811 Promotional Toolkit Now Available for Use in Primary Care
UPDATE: Holiday Schedule for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
December 1, 2023 UPDATE: Ministry of Health Recommends Ontario Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes Consider a Three-Month Minimum Interval Between Last COVID-19 Vaccine (or Infection) and Dose of XBB Vaccine for its Residents
UPDATE: 2023 Vaccination Update for Primary Care – Webinar Recording Now Available
REMINDER: TPH’s Fixed-Site Vaccination Clinics to Close in December
November 24, 2023 UPDATE: Publicly Funded Arexvy (RSV) Vaccination Program Rolling-out in Long-Term Care Homes, Elder Care Lodges, and Eligible Retirement Homes
November 14, 2023 REMINDER: Register now for the 2023 Vaccination Update for Primary Care
November 6, 2023 UPDATE: Pediatric Pfizer XBB (ages 5 to 12) COVID-19 Vaccine Available to Order
NEW: Enhanced Masking Measures in Ontario Long-term Care Homes
October 20, 2023 UPDATE: Pfizer XBB (Ages 12+) COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available to Order
SAVE THE DATE: TPH’s Annual CME Event
October 16, 2023 UPDATE: Fall 2023 Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
October 6, 2023 UPDATE: TPH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Portal is Now Live
October 4, 2023 New: Moderna XBB COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available to Order
September 22, 2023 New: 2023/2024 Universal Influenza Immunization Program
New: Arexvy (RSV) Vaccine Publicly Funded for those 60 Years of Age and Older Living in Long-Term Care Homes, Elder Care Lodges, and some Retirement Homes
Update: COVID-19 XBB Vaccine approved – Ontario to Receive Doses Late September
New: Health Care Providers Can Now Order RATs for Patients via PASP
September 15, 2023 New: 2023-2023 Homebound Influenza & COVID-19 Vaccination Referral Template Now Available
August 30, 2023 Update: 2023-2024 Season COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines for Toronto Health Care Providers
August 25, 2023 Alert: An Increased Risk of West Nile Virus in 2023
New: Ontario Considered an Endemic Area for Echinococcus multilocularis
August 4, 2023 Alert: First Human Case of Probable West Nile Virus in 2023
August 3, 2023 New: TPH Opens a Fixed-Site Vaccination Clinic in Scarborough
August 3, 2023 Update: Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
New: Non-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Gap
July 7, 2023 Update: Update: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
New: Non-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Gap
June 28, 2023 New: Tick-Borne Diseases of Public Health Significance
New: Health and Social Service Directory for Toronto Healthcare Providers and Patients
June 15, 2023 New: TPH’s CME Accredited Event -We Need Your Input
Reminder: PHAC Warns Healthcare Providers about a Potential Summer Surge in Mpox Cases
June 8, 2023 Alert: Special Air Quality Statement in Effect for Toronto
New: TPH Has Re-Opened In-Person Breastfeeding Clinics – Online Appointments Available
June 2, 2023 New: ALL Hepatitis B Vaccine Ordering Moved to TPH’s Online Ordering System
May 25, 2023

New: Detection of ceftriaxone non-susceptible Neisseria gonorrheae in Ontario
Alert: Increased Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS) in Ontario
May 9, 2023

New: The WHO Ends its Global Emergency for COVID-19
New: TPH is Returning to the Pri-Med Conference this May
Update: Lyme Disease 2023
April 26, 2023

Alert: Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
Update: Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine is available at City-run Clinics without a Referral
April 6, 2023

New: Spring Booster Campaign – Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
March 31, 2023

New: Second Vaccination Reminder Letters to Grades 1 and 2 Students in Toronto
New: Ontario Guidelines for Providers Offering HIV Testing
Correction: Shigella Lab Testing
March 17, 2023 New: Mpox in 2023 – Information for Clinicians
New: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis
March 10, 2023 New: PHOL Testing Algorithm for Lyme Disease
Update: Sufficient Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Supply for Individuals 6 Months to Under 5 Years Old
New: Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance Resources for Clinicians
February 24, 2023 New: Toronto’s Population Health Profile
New: Measles Case Confirmed in Toronto
New: Sickle Cell Disease Quality Standard
New: ServiceOntario Virtual Appointments for Health Care Renewal for Special Populations
Register: OHTN Health HIVe’s Virtual Session – Mpox: Vaccine Efficacy and Shifts in Presentation and Epidemiology
February 1, 2023 Reminder: Eligible Patients Should Receive a Full Two Dose MPOX Vaccine Series
January 27, 2023 New: NACI Guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses: Initial considerations for 2023
New: US CDC and FDA Surveillance System Flags Possible Safety Signal Between Pfizer’s Bivalent Vaccine and Ischemic Strokes. Health Canada has not observed an elevated risk or any signals
January 20, 2023 New: Vaccination Reminder Letters to High School Students in Toronto
January 13, 2022 Update: Post-COVID-19 Condition: Guidance for Primary Care
New: Digital Health Support for Paxlovid

 

Date Content
December 21, 2022 Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses in Children 5-11 Years of Age
Update: Toronto CACs Assessing Patients with COVID-19, Cold and Influenza-Like Illness Symptoms
December 16, 2022 New: Paxlovid Recommendations & Access
Reminder: OGPMSS Holiday Schedule
New: Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) Increase in Children in the UK
Update: Evusheld Recommendations
New: OCFP Collated Respiratory Illness Resources for Health Care Providers & Patients
 December 2, 2022 New: Expanded Access to Influenza Antiviral Oseltamivir
Update: Respiratory Virus Surge Among Children
Update: Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario
 November 25, 2022 New: Integrated Respiratory Diseases Dashboard for Toronto
Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply
Update: MPX Case and Contact Recommendations
New: Salmonella Newport Associated with Travel to Mexico
November 10, 2022 New: Memo to Primary Care – Supports for a Challenging Fall Season
Update: Influenza Messaging & Vaccination Efforts
New: Monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech (3mcg) for Children 6 months – 4 years
New: Co-Administration of COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines: Utilization of H-Codes
November 3, 2022 Update: Monkeypox Self-Isolation Guidance
Update: Reportable Diseases of Public Health Significance
COVID-19 Community of Practice for Ontario Family Physicians – Managing Influenza Illness this Fall
October 26, 2022 New: TPH Launches Online Booking for Influenza Vaccine Clinics
New: Vaccination Reminder Letters to Grade 1 and 2 Students in Toronto
 October 14, 2022 Update: 2022/23 Influenza Season – Lab-Confirmed Cases in Toronto
Ask an expert: What advice should health care providers be giving patients about COVID-19 boosters?
Update: Monkeypox Vaccine Expanded Eligibility
Update: Botulism Guide for Health Care Professionals
Update: COVID-19 Resources for Health Care Providers
October 7, 2022 New: Rowan’s Law: Information for Health Care Providers
Update: Evusheld Expanded Eligibility and Access
Update: Expanded Access to Meningococcal Vaccine for Toronto Adults
Update: COVID-19 Guidance – Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes and Other Congregate Living Settings
September 23, 2022 Update: Human Papillomavirus, Hepatitis B & Meningococcal School-Based Vaccinations
Update: Hepatitis B Vaccine Catch-up Schedules for Adolescents
Update: Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule for Dialysis Patients
New: Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 months to Under 5 Years of Age
Update: VaxFacts Service Expansion
New: Acute Severe Hepatitis of Unknown Origin – Rescinded CMOH Order
September 16, 2022 Update: TPH & Kindercare Pediatrics Hosting Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Children Ages 6 months to Under 5 Years
New: Extension of COVID-19 Sessional Fee Codes (H409/H410)
September 13, 2022 New: Moderna Spikevax® Bivalent (50mcg) COVID-19 Vaccine & Fall Booster Dose Recommendations
September 7, 2022 New: Aconitine Poisoning in York Region
New: Recording of “Vaccinating Children 6 Months to Under 5 Years Old with COVID-19 Vaccine” Now Available
New: Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program – 2022/2023
September 2, 2022 New: First COVID-19 Booster Doses for Children 5-11 (Pfizer-BioNTech)
 August 25, 2022 New: Meningococcal C Outbreak in Toronto
Update: Monkeypox Vaccine (Imvamune®) Eligibility Expansion
Update: TPH & Kindercare Pediatrics Hosting Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Children Ages 6 Months to Under 5 Years
New: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccines Information Sheet for Health Care Providers
August 18, 2022 Reminder: Register Now for “Vaccinating Children 6 Months to Under 5 Years Old with COVID-19 Vaccine”
New: SickKids Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Pediatric Patients in the Greater Toronto Area who have Specialized Needs
New: TPH & Kindercare Pediatrics Hosting COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Children Ages 6 Months to Under 5 Years
New: Confirmed Vaccine-derived Poliovirus-type 2 Case in the US
August 15, 2022 New: Register Now for “Vaccinating Children 6 Months to Under 5 Years Old with COVID-19 Vaccine”
August 9, 2022 New: Human Parechovirus Infections in Neonates  & Young Infants in the United States
Update: West Nile Virus 2022
New: Ontario Health Testing and Management of Monkeypox: Information for Primary Care Providers
New: COVID-19 Vaccination Tools for Health Care Providers
August 5, 2022 Update: Monkeypox Guidance for Health Care Providers
New: Expanded Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine Second Booster Doses
Update: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 months to Under 5 Years of Age
July 29, 2022 Update: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 months to under 5 years of age
New: Pharmacy Professionals & COVID-19 Vaccination
 July 21, 2022 New: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 months to 5 years of age
New: Imvamune Vaccine Not Required for Health Care Workers
 July 19, 2022 New: Input Requested RE: Vaccinating Children 6 months to 5 years with COVID-19 Vaccine – Virtual Event for Health Care Providers
 July 15, 2022 New: COVID-19 Vaccine 2nd Booster Dose Recommendations
Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Professionals
Reminder: Maintaining Vaccine Cold Chain during a Power Outage
July 8, 2022 Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Professionals
Update: HPV, Hep B & Meningococcal vaccines for Grades 7 to 12 Students
Update: 2022 Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules Now Available
June 24, 2022 Update: Monkeypox Information for Health Professionals
Update: Lyme Disease 2022
New: COVID-19 Vaccine Survey of Parents/Guardians with Children Under 5 years of Age
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
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