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Public Health Update

e-bulletin for physicians and nurse practitioners

With Ontario’s recent measles outbreak declared over, Ontario has returned to the routine Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for measles vaccination.
Ongoing vigilance is required, as we expect to continue to see occasional measles infections due to ongoing measles activity in other regions.
Please Report all individuals being tested for measles to Ottawa Public Health immediately by phone. For regular business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm: Call 613-580-2424 ext. 24224. After hours and holidays: Call 3-1-1 and ask for the Communicable Disease Manager on-call.
Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. Ottawa Public Health offers clinical resources on measles epidemiology, symptoms, testing, management, and vaccination to support your practice.

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners may see an increased demand for immunization services as Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reviews school immunization records and families seek appointments for missing vaccines or historical immunization documentation.
Parents and guardians are often unaware that they are responsible for reporting their child’s immunizations. Please encourage families to update records with OPH using secure platforms such as Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or the CANImmunize App. Families having difficulties navigating the online platforms can also upload and submit a copy of the record to OPH on our website.
OPH offers routine immunization clinics for children and youth who face barriers to accessing primary care or are newcomers without an OHIP card. Telephone support is also available for families with questions about the immunization requirements and the process for the assessment of records.

Systemic barriers may elevate cancer risk and delay access to timely screening for individuals from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous patients, newcomers, certain racialized populations, and those without stable housing.
As a first point of contact for many patients, family physicians and primary care nurse practitioners can help in advancing cancer screening by creating access within their clinics. Linking patients to local resources, such as the Champlain Screening Outreach Program, can help extend access to unrostered patients

Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in collaboration with community partners, offers sustainable, culturally-responsive breastfeeding support programs that complement primary care or serve as standalone services for patients needing additional or specialized help with breastfeeding.
No referral is needed for free, timely, and compassionate breastfeeding support through drop-in visits or scheduled appointments. Patients can find options on the Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources in Ottawa - Parenting in Ottawa page.
Services include tailored breastfeeding support that reflects principles of equity, accessibility, and cultural safety, which are central to OPH’s strategy to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for all families.

PHO Rounds: Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines (Online). Wednesday November 5, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (EST).
Gender Affirming Care: Virtual Lunch and Learn series (via ZOOM), The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (HIVe) and Casey House
Infographic: Influenza Prevention in Children, Immunize Canada (updated 09-2025).
Infographic: Polio: What You Need to know, Immunize Canada.