Meningococcal Vaccine: Transition from Men-C-C to Men-C-ACYW

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date:  August 20, 2026
From:  Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Meningococcal Vaccine: Transition from Men-C-C to Men-C-ACYW

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health is making a change to Ontario’s meningococcal vaccine program; the routine childhood immunization program is transitioning to the use of quadrivalent conjugate meningococcal vaccines (Men-C-ACYW) and will discontinue use of monovalent conjugate meningococcal serogroup C...

Pneumococcal Vaccine Program Update

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date:  August 11, 2026
From:  Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Pneumococcal Vaccine Program Update

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health has provided an update on the publicly funded pneumococcal vaccine program (see attached letter). Routine immunization for individuals 65 years of age and older will transition to the pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine (Pneu-C-21, Capvaxive). Pneu-C-21 is expected to provide broader...

West Nile virus confirmed in Ottawa

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: July 31, 2026
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: West Nile virus confirmed in Ottawa area mosquitoes

Dear Colleagues,

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is writing to heighten your awareness of the possibility of illness from West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Ottawa. OPH has received the first positive results for WNV from Ottawa area mosquito traps for the 2026 season.

The main vectors of WNV, Culex pipiens mosquitoes,...

Resources for patients with residential flooding

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date:  July 13, 2026
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Resources for patients with residential flooding

Dear Colleagues,

As you may be aware, recent flooding in Ottawa has impacted a number of homes and businesses. As a result, you may have patients coming to your clinic with flood-related questions or concerns.

The following resources may be helpful for you and your patients:

• City of Ottawa: Additional resources and...

Duty to report animal bites and animal contacts - 2026

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: July 2, 2026          
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Duty to report animal bites and animal contacts

Dear Colleagues, 

Ottawa Public Health is reaching out with an annual reminder to partners to report all potential rabies exposures as required byRegulation 557 (COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – GENERAL) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act:  

2. (1) A physician, registered nurse in the extended class, veterinarian, police officer...