News

LGBTQ+ Patients: Links to Clinical and Care Practices, Learning Opportunities

The health needs of LGBTQ+ people are unique. They can be affected by a range of social, structural and behavioural factors as well as deep-rooted stigma and discrimination. Barriers in accessing care may also be compounded by other factors such as racial status, education and income level, geographic isolation, immigration status, knowledge and cultural beliefs.

Transgender individuals may also face additional issues.  Unique health concerns and needs related to hormone replacement therapy,...

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Update: Chlamydia Follow-up Practice Changes

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported of all reportable infections to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). The incidence in 2018 was 380 infections per 100,000 population, corresponding to 3,806 cases - four-times the next most commonly reported sexually transmitted or bloodborne infection (STBBI). Chlamydia rates are increasing in Ottawa with the highest rate in females aged 20-24 years.

In September 2018, the Ottawa Public Health case management procedure on chlamydia follow-up was modified based...

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Vaccine Complacency: Quick Links to Resources to Support Working with Vaccine-Hesitant Parents

Vaccine complacency can put communities at risk by lowering immunization rates.

The Ontario Medical Association is warning that there is an increase in the number of parents in Ontario seeking non-medical exemptions from the Immunization of School Pupils Act. This trend has not been observed in Ottawa, but if you are hearing concerns about vaccines from patients who are hesitant to vaccinate their children, OPH has resources to help you reassure parents and to update immunizations for children...

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2019-2020 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP)

To: Ottawa ImmunizersFrom: Dr. Trevor Arnason, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public HealthDate: November 19, 2019

Dear colleagues,

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health informed us that as a result of manufacturer/production issues there are delays in the delivery schedule of the high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine (HD-TIV) vaccine to the province. As a result, the amount of HD-TIV received to date by Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has been lower than previously anticipated.

OPH...

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Key Influenza Information for the 2019-20 Season

To: Community Health and Community Resource Centres, Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Emergency Departments, Walk-in ClinicsFrom: Dr. Carolyn PimDate: November 7, 2019

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is starting to see influenza cases and long-term care facility outbreaks in Ottawa, although the level of activity is still low. We would like to remind you of key strategies to reduce the burden of illness from influenza as well as resources you may find helpful in your practice. Visit OPH’s

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