Individuals with Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage eligible for HPV testing

Individuals covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) in Ontario are now eligible for HPV-based cervical screening. The recent transition from cytology to HPV based cervical screening is a major step towards the eradication of cervical cancer. 

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with the combination of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening. Many refugees may not have had access to cervical screening in their country of origin and have lower cervical...

Professional Development Opportunities and Resources

1. HeatSMART Study: Join a research study assessing a new tool for physicians to protect at-risk groups from extreme heat. This is a Health Canada funded trial led by Drs. Bill Hogg and Sharon Johnston with the Canadian Primary Care Information Network (CPIN) in conjunction with Ottawa Public Health. For physicians who are interested in joining the HeatSMART study or want to learn more, please contact: info@cpin-rcip.com
   
   
2. LifTING & Sepsis Canada Health Research Training Platform: trainee application open...
   
   

Measles: epidemiology, suspect cases, and vaccination

Public Health Alert

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners

Date: April 28, 2025

From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Subject: Measles updates and reminders: epidemiology, suspect cases, and vaccination

Dear Colleagues,

Measles outbreak activity continues in some regions of Ontario. This alert provides an update on the current epidemiology of the outbreak, an overview of steps to take if you suspect measles in a patient, and a summary of provincial vaccine...

COVID-19 Vaccine Program Spring Update

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: April 14, 2025
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health

Dear Colleagues, 

The Ministry of Health has announced updates to Ontario’s 2024/2025 COVID-19 vaccine program, including high-risk populations recommended and eligible to have an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of the spring vaccination program. 

• In accordance with recent National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance, Ontario’s 2024/2025 COVID-19...

Provincial Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis Program Update

Public Health Alert

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners

Date: April 10, 2025

From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health

Subject: Provincial Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis Program Update

Dear Colleagues,

Please see this memo from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health on Ontario’s 2025 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) program.

Key Messages:

• The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has ended.
• Doses of Beyfortus and Abrysvo should no longer be...