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Alerts and clinical guidance

Guidance for health professionals

Advisory Alerts issued by Public Health Sudbury & Districts

Public Health Sudbury & Districts provides timely information to health care providers regarding critical issues that can affect the health of the public and to recommend actions health care providers can take to prevent and manage these public health risks.

Date issued (YYYY-MM-DD)TitleTopic
2023-01-13Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ hours of operationPublic Health Services
2023-01-11Vaccination requirements for school attendanceVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-12-20COVID-19 Vaccine Program UpdateVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-11-29Influenza vaccine availabilityVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-11-10COVID-19 vaccine update: Guidance on the use of Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty in immunocompromised children

Flow Diagram for COVID-19 Fall Booster Vaccination (PDF, 453 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-10-18COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Bivalent vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) now both available in Sudbury and Manitoulin districtsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-10-13Updated Monkeypox Vaccination GuidanceInfectious-diseases
2022-10-05Rowan’s Law (concussion safety): removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocol requirementsConcussions
2022-09-27COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty for children aged 6 months to under 5 years available in Sudbury and Manitoulin districtsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-09-23Recognize and Report Cases of Acute Flaccid ParalysisVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-09-12COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Bivalent Moderna vaccine available in Sudbury and Manitoulin districtsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-09-12Influenza vaccine availability for the 2022/2023 season

UIIP package attachments		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-09-02Health Care Providers and Public Health Units: Memorandum Regarding Aconitine PoisoningFood-safety
2022-09-01COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Approval of first booster dose for individuals aged 5-11Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-09-01Updated Monkeypox Vaccination and Antiviral GuidanceInfectious-diseases
2022-07-28Suspension: Vaccine Pick upVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-07-27COVID-19 vaccine update: Immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 17 eligible for second booster dose AND Moderna Spikevax vaccine available for children aged 6 months to 5 yearsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-07-26Monkeypox PrEP Immunization Offered to Eligible IndividualsInfectious-diseases
2022-07-14COVID-19 vaccine update: Expansion of second booster dose eligibility to include all individuals aged 18 and overVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-07-12Updated Monkeypox Treatment Guidance and Other Key Resources

Comparison Chart MPX vs VZV vs HFMD_June 2022 (PDF, 637 KB)		Infectious-diseases
2022-06-22Treatment for Infectious SyphilisSexual health
2022-06-20Monkeypox now reportable to Medical Officer of Health as a newly Designated Disease of Public Health Significance under Provincial Legislation

Factsheet: Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses including Monkeypox (Ontario Public Health Standards) (PDF, 2.77 MB)

Memorandum: Health Care Providers and Public Health Units RE: Monkeypox (Ministry of Health) (PDF, 52 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-06-14National Hypoallergenic Infant Formula ShortageNational Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Shortage
2022-06-08Updated Guidance for Routine Immunization Services During COVID-19Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-05-31 Interim Guidance for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and Treatment of Monkeypox
Infectious-diseases
2022-05-21 Reports of confirmed monkeypox in Canada
Infectious-diseases
2022-05-11 Co-circulation of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 – Considerations for Outbreak Identification and Management
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-05-05 Increased eligibility for two publicly funded vaccines
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-05-05 COVID-19 vaccine update: Certain immunocompromised individuals eligible for second booster and amendments to Ministry of Health’s vaccine administration guideVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-04-26CMOH Memo: Severe Acute Hepatitis of unknown origin in Children (PDF, 157 KB)Severe acute hepatitis
2022-04-26 COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Novovax (Nuvaxovid) Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-04-13Clinician responsibilities in Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) monitoring and reporting

Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-04-08COVID-19 vaccine strongly recommended for high-risk populationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-04-07COVID-19 vaccine update: Fourth doses for additional populations (second booster) and Moderna primary series for 6 to 11 year olds with moderate to severe immunocompromiseVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-03-28Sodium in Sudbury and districts drinking water suppliesLevels of sodium in municipal drinking water supplies
2022-03-03Public Health Resuming Routine Immunization ServicesVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-02-18COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Booster doses for all individuals 12 to 17 years of age and updated vaccination timing following COVID-19 infectionVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-02-09COVID-19 vaccine update: Booster dose eligibility, new groups for a three-dose primary series, and booster dose timing following COVID-19 infection

Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations February 7, 2022 (PDF, 316 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-02-04COVID-19 vaccine update: Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated Outside of Ontario or CanadaVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-01-18Updates regarding medical exemption and vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines following myocarditis (with or without pericarditis)Vaccine-preventable diseases
2022-01-15Changes to the Management of COVID-19 Cases, Contacts and Outbreaks in Highest Risk SettingsChanges to COVID-19 Case and Contact Management
2022-01-14COVID-19 vaccine update: Fourth doses for select populationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-01-10Public Health Services DisruptionPublic Health Services
2022-01-05Updated COVID-19 testing & case and contact managementVaccine-preventable diseases
2022-01-04Updates to medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-12-24 Holiday Greetings and Advisement that Rapid Changes to COVID-19 Case and Contact Management are UnderwayChanges to COVID-19 Case and Contact Management
2021-12-17 Updates to medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-12-17COVID-19 vaccine update: COVID-19 vaccine update: Recommendations on expanded booster dose eligibility to protect against Omicron variantVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-12-06COVID-19 vaccine update: Recommendations on expanded booster dose and third dose eligibility for individuals aged 50+Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-11-29Call to action: Primary care provider support needed for routine immunization servicesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-11-23COVID-19 vaccine update: Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine now available for children aged 5 to 11Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-11-04COVID-19 vaccine update: Ministry of Health updates third dose recommendationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-10-20COVID-19 vaccine update: Expanded list of eligible medications for third doses of COVID-19 vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-10-08COVID-19 vaccine update: verifying immunosuppressive prescriptions for third doses, and expanded eligibility criteria for vulnerable elderly living in congregate settingsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-10-01COVID-19 vaccine update: Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty® recommended for individuals aged 18 to 24 yearsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-10-01Influenza vaccine availability for the 2021/2022 seasonVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-09-24Important Change to Passive Tick Surveillance in OntarioInfectious diseases
2021-09-22Update on criteria for medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccinationVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-09-17Vaccine certificate (passport) requirements and criteria for medical exemptionVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-09-16COVID-19 vaccine update: Recommendations on expanded third dose eligibility for moderately to severely immunocompromised individualsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-09-14Infection Prevention and Control Key Principles for Clinical Office PracticeInfectious diseases
2021-09-10Minimal Contact Intervention (MCI) protocol for COVID-19 vaccine; new vaccine hesitancy surveyVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-31COVID-19 vaccine update: third dose rollout for select vulnerable populationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-20Adverse Events Following Immunization Guidance and RecommendationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-20Treatment for Infectious SyphilisSexual health
2021-08-18COVID-19 Vaccination Update: policies for high-risk settings; third dose recommendations for vulnerable groups; youth born in 2009 now eligible.Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-10Pfizer – BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine label to reflect very rare reports of Bell’s PalsyVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-06Seeking support to improve vaccine uptake among vulnerable groups and priority populationsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-08-05Outbreak of hepatitis A infections linked to frozen mangoesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-07-30Reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome following adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccinesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-07-21Rotavirus vaccine product changeVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-07-02COVID-19 vaccine updates: Revised vaccine Product Monographs and accelerated dosing intervals for youthVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-29Provincial Recommendations and Directive #5

Memorandum: Provincial Recommendations and Directive #5 (Ministry of Health) (PDF, 140 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-24Updated recommendations on exceptions to extended dose intervals for COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-21Heterologous COVID-19 mRNA vaccine schedules and resources for health care providers

Q&A for Health Care Providers on Mixed COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Schedules (Ministry of Health) (PDF, 100 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-18Reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccinesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-17Missed Opportunities for Vaccination: It is Time to Catch UpVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-13Accelerated dosing interval for AstraZeneca clientsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-11Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca vaccine Q&A, and quick reference for second dosesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-06-03Updated guidance on AstraZeneca second dose options
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-29Additional exceptions to the extended dose interval for the COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-25Information for individuals who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-21Guidance for Employers Managing Workers with Symptoms Post COVID-19 VaccinationVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-15High-risk health care workers eligible to receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a shortened intervalVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-14Immediate reporting of specific events following AstraZeneca/ COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccinesVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-11Ontario pauses rollout and administration of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-05-11COVID-19 vaccine additional exceptions to the extended dosing intervalVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-23Update: Pregnancy Now Considered Highest-Risk Health Condition; Now Eligible for VaccinationVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-20Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine for Essential Caregivers of Individuals with Highest and High-Risk Health ConditionsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-16Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-14COVID-19 vaccine dosing intervals, booking and PPE remindersVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-14Administration of Publicly Funded COVID-19 Vaccine in Ontario and Primary Care ClinicsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-08Individuals with high-risk health conditions eligible for COVID-19 vaccine – assistance requested to advise patientsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-04-01Additional COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for health care workersVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-31Individuals with highest risk health conditions eligible for COVID-19 vaccine - assistance requested to advise patientsVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-23Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19: Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination (PDF, 6 MB)
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-2280+ and chronic home care recipients can now book for COVID-19 vaccinationVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-15Centre for Effective Practice (CEP): COVID-19 Vaccine Resource CentreVaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-0580+ and chronic home care recipients can now pre-register for COVID-19 vaccination
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-03-01Health care workers can now pre-register for COVID-19 vaccination
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-02-19COVID-19 vaccine updates: Allergy Information for Clinicians and Documentation of Verbal Attestation for Clinic Use (Re-release)Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-02-18COVID-19 vaccine updates: Allergy Information for Clinicians and Documentation of Verbal Attestation for Clinic Use
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-02-10Primary Care Registry (Re-release)Vaccine-preventable diseases
2021-02-08Primary Care RegistryVaccine-preventable diseases
2020-12-16Updated COVID-19 guidance for contact identification and management relating to a health care workerInfectious diseases
2020-12-14COVID-19 Vaccines & Provincial Rollout
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2020-12-04Additional Flu Vaccine Supply: FluMist® Quadrivalent Intra-nasalVaccine-preventable diseases
2020-11-27Update: Flu vaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2020-11-20New Respiratory Outbreak Testing Prioritization ProtocolInfectious diseases
2020-11-20Specimen Collection kits for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NAAT) shortageSexual health
2020-11-09 Continued Shortage of Erythromycin Ophthalmic OintmentInfectious diseases
2020-10-21 *New* Infection prevention and control assessment checklist for primary care, specialty, and walk-in clinics during COVID-19

Infection Prevention and Control Assessment for Primary Care, Specialty and Walk-in Clinics during COVID-19 (PDF, 884 KB)
Infectious diseases
2020-10-02 Guidance for COVID-19 for Children in School and Child CareUpdated COVID-19 guidance for children in school and child care
2020-09-30Universal Influenza Immunization Program Implementation PackageInfectious diseases
2020-09-21Guidance for COVID-19 following school reopeningInfectious diseases
2020-09-17Updated guidance for immunization services during COVID-19Vaccine-preventable diseases
2020-09-17Influenza vaccine updates for the 2020/21 seasonVaccine-preventable diseases
2020-09-08Guidance on the delivery of influenza vaccine during COVID-19Vaccine-preventable diseases
2020-08-17Rotavirus vaccine reminder
Infectious diseases
2020-07-24 Chlamydia treatment

Chlamydia treatment (PDF, 200 KB)		Sexual health
2020-06-30COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting

Infectious diseases
2020-04-29Guidance for Immunization Service Providers During COVID-19

Guidance for Immunization Service Providers During COVID-19 (PDF, 205 KB)		Infectious diseases
2020-04-26Primary care guidance update (COVID-19)

Ministry of Health, Primary care guidance update (PDF, 91.7 KB)		Infectious diseases
2020-04-11Targeted surveillance for COVID-19Infectious diseases
2020-03-26Updated COVID-19 guidance and testing sites

COVID-19 Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance (PDF, 311 KB)		Updated COVID-19 guidance and testing sites
2020-03-21Communication with Public Health

Primary Care COVID-19 Guidance 2020-03-20 (PDF, 375 KB)		Communication with Public Health and primary care guidance update
2020-03-17COVID‐19 – healthcare workers returning from travel and criteria for accessing testingInfectious diseases
2020-03-16Updated COVID-19 recommendations Infectious diseases
2020-03-10First confirmed case of COVID-19Infectious diseases
2020-01-24Update: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Association Chief Medical Officer of Health Letter, January 23, 2020 (PDF, 278 KB)

Case Definition 2019-nCoV, January 23, 2020 (PDF, 278 KB)		Infectious diseases
2020-01-22Resources to Manage Novel Coronavirus Identified in ChinaInfectious diseases
2020-01-10Vaccination requirements for school attendance
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2020-01-03Second Case of Hepatitis A Exposure at Real Canadian Superstore, 1485 Lasalle Blvd., SudburyInfectious diseases
2019-12-17Hepatitis A Exposure at Real Canadian Superstore, 1485 Lasalle Blvd., SudburyInfectious diseases
2019-12-02Administration of Influenza Vaccine

English (PDF, 148 KB)
Administration of Influenza Vaccine CMOH Letter to HCP

French (PDF, 148 KB)
Administration of Influenza Vaccine CMOH Letter to HCP
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2019-10-02Influenza Surge Planning: Recommendations for Health Care Providers

English (PDF, 102 KB)
Seasonal Influenza Update CMOH Memo FINAL 2019-09-25 shared

French (PDF, 103 KB)
Seasonal Influenza Update CMOH Memo FINAL 2019-09-25 shared
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2019-08-13Locally-acquired cyclosporiasis in Ontario
Infectious diseases
2019-07-29Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin shortagesVaccine-preventable diseases
2019-05-22Enhanced Surveillance for Pertussis (whooping cough)Vaccine-preventable diseases
2019-05-14Infectious Syphilis Cases Increasing LocallySexual health
2019-05-14Extensively Drug Resistant S. Typhi in Ontario Travellers Returning from PakistanVaccine-preventable diseases
2019-04-24Increasing Influenza A (H3N2) Activity in the Public Health Sudbury & Districts areaVaccine-preventable diseases
2019-03-25Shortage of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

Screening Algorithm (PDF, 526 KB)

Response to Lab Results Algorithm (PDF, 522 KB)
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2019-03-07Provincial Supply of Zostavax® II VaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2019-01-24Influenza Vaccine Availability in the Public Health Sudbury & Districts Area
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2019-01-14Ophthalmia Neonatorum and Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment ShortageVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-12-27Influenza updates including testing availability in the Public Health Sudbury & Districts areaVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-11-26Discontinuation of the Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed and Inactivated Poliomyelitis (Td-IPV) VaccineVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-11-20Influenza vaccines for seniors during the 2018/19 influenza seasonVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-10-23Acute flaccid myelitis – Summary and current Ontario situationInfectious diseases
2018-10-05Listeriosis outbreak

Infectious diseases
2018-10-04Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP): Influenza Vaccine Product Availability for the 2018/19 Season
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2018-07-30Vaccine recall in ChinaVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-07-17Rotavirus vaccine changes
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2018-07-13Locally-acquired cyclosporiasis in Ontario
Infectious diseases
2018-07-04Enhanced Surveillance for Pertussis (whooping cough)
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2018-05-30Updates to the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA)

Diseases of Public Health Significance (PDF, 364 KB)
Immunization
Infectious diseases
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2018-03-20Healthy Growth Initiative

What is BORN? (PDF, 519 KB)		Healthy Growth Initiative
2018-03-09Varicella Activity Among Post-Secondary StudentsVaccine-preventable diseases
2018-01-29Use of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) during the remainder of the 2017/18 influenza seasonVaccine-preventable diseases
2017-11-06Update on Provincial Vaccine Preventable Disease Outbreaks and Recommended Vaccines
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2017-11-03First Case of Confirmed Influenza Reported in the Sudbury & District Health Unit Area
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2017-10-06DTaP-IPV being replaced with DTaP-IPV-Hib
Vaccine-preventable diseases
2017-09-17Enhanced Surveillance for MumpsVaccine-preventable diseases
2017-09-09Cluster of Pediatric Blastomycosis Cases
 Infectious diseases
2017-08-18
Lyme disease (letter from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care)

English (PDF, 99 KB)
Lyme Disease Letter from MOHLTC

French (PDF, 138 KB)
Lyme Disease Letter from MOHLTC 		Infectious diseases
2017-07-14Provincial Cyclospora outbreak Infectious diseases
2017-04-04Measles Activity in Toronto and PeelVaccine-preventable diseases
2017-03-09Spectinomycin ShortageSexual health
2016-11-23First Case of Confirmed Influenza Reported in the Sudbury & District Health Unit AreaVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-11-07Antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of seasonal influenzaVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-11-012016/17 Influenza vaccination recommendations for childrenVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-10-06Reminder re: publicly funded shingles immunization programVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-09-15Publicly funded shingles immunization programVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-06-24Enhanced surveillance for pertussis (whooping cough) Vaccine-preventable diseases
2016-04-23Multi-province hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen berriesVaccine-preventable disease
2016-04-18Multi-province hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen berriesVaccine-preventable disease
2016-04-16Multi-province hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen berriesVaccine-preventable diseases
2016-02-04Zika virus infection: laboratory testing information (Public Health Ontario) Infectious diseases
2015-11-30Influenza confirmed in the Sudbury & District Health Unit areaVaccine-preventable diseases
2015-11-12Syrian refugee crisisMemorandum
2015-11-09Administration of Flumist® (Pharmacists)Immunization
2015-11-06Confirmed case of Tularemia in Sudbury DistrictInfectious diseases
2015-10-09Universal influenza immunization program materialsImmunization
2015-09-15Surveillance information for Enterovirus D68Respiratory
2015-08-19Memo: Meningitis World Scout Jamboree in Japan August 19, 2015 (PDF, 83 KB)

Meningococcal Fact Sheet (PDF, 181 KB)

Meningococcal Fact Sheet (French) (PDF 182 KB)		Vaccine-preventable diseases
2015-06-24PHO Rounds: EV-D68 in Ontario: What happened in 2014 and what’s next?PHO Rounds: Microbiology
2015-06-04Temporary shortage of DTaP-IPV (Infanrix®-IPV or Quadracel®)Immunization
2015-04-30Updated 2015 publicly funded immunization schedules for OntarioImmunization
2015-03-24Immunization requirements for school attendanceImmunization
2015-02-06Measles vaccination schedule detailsVaccine-preventable diseases
2015-02-04Measles activity in TorontoVaccine-preventable diseases
2015-02-01Confirmed case of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection in ChapleauVaccine-preventable diseases
2015-01-29Hepatitis A exposure at Casey's Bar & Grill, 1070 Kingsway Boulevard, Sudbury Vaccine-preventable diseases
2015-01-14Influenza season: antiviral supply and orderingVaccine-preventable diseases
2015-01-07Increased influenza activity in Sudbury & District Health Unit areaVaccine-preventable diseases
2014-12-122014-2015 influenza seasonVaccine-preventable diseases

This item was last modified on January 12, 2023