Update on the publicly funded high-risk pneumococcal vaccine program

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: July 8, 2025
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Update on the publicly funded high-risk pneumococcal vaccine program

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health has provided an update on the publicly funded high-risk pneumococcal vaccine program. The update applies to children (6 weeks to 17 years of age) who are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)

Effective Immediately:

• Children 6 weeks to 17 years who are at...

Annual Reminder: Duty to report animal bites and animal contacts

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: June 17, 2025
From: Dr. Monir Taha, 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 by Regulation 557 (COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – GENERAL) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act:   

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

Update - Measles Outbreak Preparedness and Response

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: June 12, 2025
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Update - Measles Outbreak Preparedness and Response

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health has shared a memorandum to health care providers entitled “Update – Measles Outbreak preparedness and Response,” dated June 11, 2025. The memorandum summarizes epidemiology of the current provincial outbreak and the outbreak immunization strategy. The accompanying document, “FAQ...

Ottawa Public Health Releases Public Service Announcement on COVID-19 Spring Vaccination Campaign

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: May 22, 2025
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Ottawa Public Health Releases Public Service Announcement on COVID-19 Spring Vaccination Campaign

Dear Colleagues,

You may receive questions from patients as OPH has released a Public Service Announcement on Ontario’s COVID-19 spring vaccination campaign: Spring into action – COVID-19 dose recommended for people at higher risk | City of Ottawa. 

The eligibility requirements...

Meningococcal immunization: Hajj and Umrah requirements in Saudi Arabia

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: May 16, 2025
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Meningococcal immunization: Hajj and Umrah requirements in Saudi Arabia

 Dear Colleagues,

This year, Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 to 9, 2025.  Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed any time in the year.  Those traveling to Saudi Arabia for the purposes of Hajj or Umrah are at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal disease.

Due...