MPOX (formerly monkeypox) – Updates and reminders

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Travel Clinics, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency Departments and CHCsDate: February 15, 2023From: Dr. Laura Bourns (Associate Medical Officer of Health, Acting)

Dear Colleagues: 

This Public Health Alert summarizes recent updates to MPOX (formerly monkeypox) relating to epidemiology, risk factors, and reminders about recommendations for vaccination and testing.

MPOX Epidemiology & Risk Factors

Four (4) new individuals have tested positive for MPOX in Ontario...

2023 Women’s Health Update, March 31st, 2023

Provider

University of Ottawa’s Office of Continuing Professional Development

Overview

This 1-day conference focusing on women’s health is designed to provide family physicians and healthcare professionals with the most current and relevant information about approaches on health issues concerning both young and mature women.

Date / Time / Location

• Thursday, March 31st, 2023. St-Elias Centre
• Location: In person, 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa

Target Audience

Family physicians and healthcare professionals.

72nd Annual Refresher Course for Family Physicians: Save the Date - April 19-21, 2023

Provider

University of Ottawa’s Office of Continuing Professional Development

Overview

This comprehensive 3-day course is designed to provide family physicians and other health-care providers with relevant and recent information about approaches to the diagnosis and management of conditions across the breadth of family medicine in both rural and urban settings. Each day will consist of a combination of lectures and workshop sessions designed specifically for family physicians and healthcare...

Resources & Professional Development Opportunities

The Royal has shared links to COVID Frontline Wellness, a new service to help health care workers cope with COVID-related stress and support their mental wellbeing. It offers confidential support through an online form to connect you with a trained mental health professional.

• Available in English and French to any resident of Ontario who works in primary care or community health care setting, a hospital, long-term care facility, retirement or group home, or paramedic service.
• Primary Care workers...

Updated Paxlovid™ Recommendations and Prescribing Resources

In December 2022, Ontario Health issued a memo to health care providers with updated and expanded recommendations on the use of Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets co-packaged for oral use) for the treatment of COVID-19. 

Paxlovid™ should be strongly considered for individuals with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, who present within 5 days of symptom onset and who have a higher risk of complications or severe outcomes from COVID-19 including :

• Those 60 years of age or older;
• Those 18...