Public Health in Focus
Public Health in Focus is a newsletter by Public Health Sudbury & Districts to inform our community on the public health issues of the day and is issued following our regular Board of Health meetings.
Words for Thought
September 2025
Improving vaccination programs in a time of continental backlash
The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has released his latest annual report, highlighting the incredible achievements of vaccinations, and his advice on how Ontario can strengthen vaccination programs. This comes at a time when vaccination programs are being challenged across North America.
Most criticism has been in the United States where the US government, under Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fired the scientists on its vaccine science advisory committee and replaced them with non-experts, removed the recommendation that most adults and children be vaccinated for COVID-19, removed recommendations for many (though not all) influenza vaccines, and cancelled research into new vaccination. Kennedy has also hinted strongly that he will soon release a report linking vaccines to autism, a claim that has been thoroughly studied over 25 years and consistently debunked. Kennedy recently demanded a medical journal retract the latest study that once again debunked this conspiracy.
The State of Florida also announced that it is eliminating all vaccine requirements, including in schools. The Province of Alberta has cited it is changing its COVID-19 vaccine program: individuals must now pre-order vaccines in August or September in order to be eligible to book a vaccine appointment later in the fall. Most Albertans must also pay out of pocket for the vaccine and cannot get the vaccine through their primary care provider or a pharmacy—making access more difficult. The government also initially intended to deny health care workers access to publicly-funded vaccines, though the did announce that they will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations.
With all of this in mind, it is heartening to see the Ontario government’s decision to expand its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination program. The CMOH highlights the importance of improved vaccine data systems (which our Board of Health endorsed in February 2025), improved community engagement, better understanding of the sociodemographic for those getting vaccinated and those experiencing barriers to getting vaccinated and working to strengthen vaccine confidence.
Public Health continues to complete work in all of these areas. We remain committed to sharing future updates with the community as things progress.
M. Mustafa Hirji MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
Need to do
Keep yourself safe from illness this fall
With the arrival of fall brings cooler weather and an increased likelihood of illness. Protect yourself and others and prevent the spread of illness by
- staying home if you’re sick
- staying up-to-date with your vaccinations—more information about COVID-19 and influenza vaccine eligibility will be available soon
- improving the ventilation in indoor spaces by keeping windows open, when possible, and having heating, ventilation, and air conditional (HVAC) systems set to “on” rather than “auto”
- wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor public settings
- covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard used tissues immediately in the garbage, and then wash your hands
Learn more about personal protective measures
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Need to know
Our work is grounded by the strategic priorities of impactful relationships, equal opportunities for health, excellence in public health practice, and healthy and resilient workforce. Learn more about how we collaborate to improve population health, support awareness and advocacy, and demonstrate our accountability and effectiveness in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
2024 Financial Report
The 2024 Financial Report is now available. It lists our revenue sources and operating expenses and complements our 2024 Year-in-review report that profiled our community commitment and responsiveness.
View the 2024 Financial Report
We establish relationships that lead to impactful partnerships, collaborations, and engagement.
Strengthening relationships in Chapleau
Dr. Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Groot, Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health, along with a representative from the Indigenous Public Health team and a manager within the Health Promotion and Vaccine Preventable Diseases division, recently visited Chapleau. They met with the Chiefs and Health Directors of Brunswick House First Nation and Chapleau Cree First Nation. In addition, they met with the Mayor and Township’s Chief Administrative Officer, as well as the Co-CEO of Chapleau Health Services. Together, the group listened to community-identified health priorities and explored further opportunities for collaboration. Public Health looks forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities and other organizations throughout Chapleau.
Looking ahead
Public Health has many longstanding and diverse partnerships with First Nations and Indigenous health services organizations. As outlined in the Indigenous Engagement Strategy, we actively share information, plan, and provide education, service provision, and research. More information about the Indigenous Engagement Strategy can be found on our website.
Public Health supports pediatric residents through Amazing Race challenge
In June, Public Health staff welcomed Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) pediatric resident learners to Public Health for a mock learning experience. As part of NOSM’s Amazing Race challenge, this activity required learners to navigate the community and complete real-world tasks, highlighting barriers families often face, such as applying for housing, attending appointments at the Children’s Treatment Centre, or buying groceries on a limited budget.
At Public Health, learners worked through a case study on infant feeding, which involved calculating the cost of specialized formula for a 4-month-old with nutritional sensitivities. They also completed a task to book a mock vaccine appointment for a family of 4 children who had varying needs and vaccination statuses.
This experiential learning opportunity helped future pediatricians better understand the challenges families encounter in accessing services and the important role Public Health plays in supporting equitable health outcomes.
Annual review of immunization records in child care settings
In June, Public Health began its annual review of immunization records for children attending licensed child care settings in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act. 79 centres were included in the review. Of 2700 children who were currently enrolled, 1300 were overdue or had incomplete records. Parents and guardians received a letter which outlined guidance, offered support, and requested follow-up. The child care centres were kept informed as families updated vaccinations. Public Health continues to support child care centres by providing consultations and resources as they complete necessary follow-up.
Reporting your child’s immunizations
Immunizations received by a health care provider (such as a family physician) must be reported to Public Health by the parent or guardian. More information about reporting immunizations can be found online.
We strive for health equity by championing equal opportunities for health.
Consultations with newcomers to Canada
Public Health hosted two community sessions with newcomers who helped consult on Public Health’s Guide for Newcomers, which will better support individuals and their families who are new to Canada to better understand and access public health services across the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. In collaboration with the Afro Women & Youth Foundation, an English-language session was held on June 18. A French-language session was held on July 3, in partnership with the Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury.
Looking ahead
A total of 34 participants provided valuable feedback which will be incorporated into the Guide for Newcomers and address their distinct health needs, questions, and provide a supportive resource to refer to over and over again. A final version of the Guide will be made available this fall.
Building Bridges report now published
Building Bridges: A community dialogue on public health access and equity for Black communities (PDF) is now available on our website. The report highlights key themes heard during consultations held in December 2024 and supports Public Health’s ongoing commitment to advancing racial equity.
We strive for ongoing excellence in local public health practice.
Enforcing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act
As part of their role, Smoke-Free Ontario Act inspectors complete routine spot checks of prohibited locations for compliance, respond to general complaints and inquiries, and investigate tobacco and vaping related offences. This past summer, inspectors issued numerous charges for non-compliance:
- One (1) individual was charged for smoking in an enclosed workplace.
- Two (2) individuals were charged for smoking on hospital property.
- Two (2) warning letters were issued for vaping on school property.
- Four (4) retail employees were charged for selling tobacco to a person who is less than 19 years of age.
- Four (4) retail employees or owners were charged for selling e-cigarettes to a person who is less than 19 years of age.
- One (1) business owner was charged for failing to ensure compliance with section 15(a) of the Act.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 regulates the smoking and vaping of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis to protect the health of the public, support those who are trying to quit or who have quit by keeping environments smoke-free and vape-free, and prevent youth from accessing these products.
Access the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (Government of Ontario)
Protect yourself from West Nile virus
Public Health is reminding the community that while the overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus remains low, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your families.
Precautions include
- wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- using an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
Reduce the risk around the home
- Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
- Remove standing water from around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
Learn more about protecting yourself against West Nile virus
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This item was last modified on September 23, 2025