News

Immunization update: Tdap vaccine is now recommended in every pregnancy (March 5, 2018)

To: Vaccine providers

From: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public Health

Date: March 5, 2018

In February 2018, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated its recommendation on pertussis-containing vaccine in pregnancy.

Updated NACI recommendation:

• Immunization with Tdap vaccine should be provided in every pregnancy, irrespective of previous Tdap immunization history, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation. 
• However, Tdap immunization may be...

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Memo: Increase in Mumps Cases in Ottawa (February 15, 2018)

In the last week, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has investigated a small cluster of mumps cases. These are the first cases reported to OPH in 2018. The cases were young adults with partial or full immunization, and no history of travel.

OPH is seeking your collaboration to accelerate detection and control of cases of mumps:

• Increase your clinical vigilance for mumps infection
• Order a buccal or throat swab AND a urine sample (mumps virus detection by PCR) for all suspect cases of mumps, as well as...

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Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (Fluzone® Quadrivalent & Flulaval® Tetra) are now publicly-funded in Ontario for adults aged 18 years and older

• Influenza B activity is higher than expected for this time of year.
• The most common strain of influenza B this season is B/Phuket (Yamagata lineage).
• Only the Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (Fluzone® Quadrivalent & Flulaval® Tetra) offer protection against B/Phuket (Yamagata lineage).
• Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (Fluzone® Quadrivalent & Flulaval® Tetra), previously publicly-funded in Ontario for children only, are now publicly-funded for adults aged 18 years and older.

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Radon and Smoking: Reduce your patients’ 1 in 3 chance of developing lung cancer

Key Messages

• All patients can benefit from radon awareness.
• People who smoke in particular should test indoor air for radon and remediate if levels are elevated.
• Exposure to radon is another important reason to quit smoking.

Persons who smoke—and people regularly exposed to second-hand smoke—who also have long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. While the lifetime exposure to continuous high levels of radon (800 Bq/m3) in a...

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The 18-month enhanced well-baby visit: Resources for Early Intervention

Key messages:

• The 18-month check-up is a critical time to determine the developmental progress of a child
• Billing Codes: General and family practitioners A002 * Paediatrics A268, fund one enhanced well-baby visit for every child between 17 and 24 months of age
• Ottawa Public Health 18-Month Well-Baby Visit Pathway updated 2016 – assists with referrals to specialized community services

The 18-month enhanced well-baby visit is widely acknowledged to be the time when families are likely to be...

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