Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is pleased to announce the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which better protects against the Omicron XBB subvariant, is now available in our vaccination clinics. The initial doses will be prioritized for high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals and hospital staff, and residents, staff and caregivers of long-term care homes and Elder Care Lodges, followed by individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations (Ministry of Health, page 7, PDF). Keep reading
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is pleased to announce the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which better protects against the Omicron XBB subvariant, is now available to the general public at all our vaccination clinics in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. See all Public Health clinic opportunities at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. Additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may also be available through select primary care providers and at participating pharmacies. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine. Keep reading
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) will follow a phased approach to offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines locally, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (PDF, 454 KB). Beginning next week, an updated COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine will be available for select high-risk individuals. Public Health is planning to offer COVID-19 and flu shots to the general public beginning later in October. Individuals are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointments as soon are they are eligible. Keep reading
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) will follow a phased approach to offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines locally, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (PDF, 454 KB). Beginning next week, an updated COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine will be available for select high-risk individuals. Public Health is planning to offer COVID-19 and flu shots to the general public beginning later in October. Individuals are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointments as soon are they are eligible. Keep reading
The Community Drug Strategy has received confirmation of a new potent substance, flubromazolam, circulating in Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
Flubromazolam, also known as “liquid Xanax”, is a potent designer benzodiazepine (benzo). Consuming flubromazolam can result in strong sedation and partial amnesia lasting more than 24 hours. Death can occur if taken in large quantities. Sedation and partial amnesia can make people vulnerable to injury and loss of personal possessions. In Toronto’s drug-checking report of September 25, 2023 31% of samples expected to be fentanyl contained bromazolam, a class which includes flubromazolam. Keep reading
Standing up to protect everyone’s health each and every day is the work of environmental public health professionals and the theme of this year’s Environmental Public Health Week, September 25–October 1, with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
Public health inspectors across our service area —and Canada—work collaboratively with our partners to control disease, reduce or remove hazards, prevent injury, and help Canadians stay out of hospitals. Keep reading
Standing up to protect everyone’s health each and every day is the work of environmental public health professionals and the theme of this year’s Environmental Public Health Week, September 25–October 1, with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
Public health inspectors across our service area —and Canada—work collaboratively with our partners to control disease, reduce or remove hazards, prevent injury, and help Canadians stay out of hospitals. Keep reading
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is pleased to share its 2022 Annual Report: Achieving Healthier Communities for All.
2022 was a year of challenges and accomplishments, highlighting the significant role of Public Health in safeguarding and promoting people’s health. With continued commitment from staff, leadership from the Board of Health, and collaboration with many partner agencies and individuals, we reaffirmed our commitment to meet local needs and build healthier, stronger communities. Keep reading
The Community Drug Strategy has received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in Sudbury and districts.
While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances than usual may be circulating locally and that multiple naloxone kits have been required to reduce overdoses.
An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal. Keep reading
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has received laboratory results confirming an adult in Greater Sudbury has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). Before this, the most recent laboratory confirmed cases within the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts were in 2017.
A mosquito that was positive for West Nile virus was detected in the Manitoulin District earlier this season through routine surveillance, and positive mosquitos and birds have been identified within the districts in previous years. Routine surveillance via trapping of mosquitos continues within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area.
“Although reports of West Nile virus in humans are uncommon, the threat posed by the virus remains as the virus is found across Ontario,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection division. “Taking precautions to protect against the infection is important,” added Groulx. Keep reading
