No images? Click here In This Issue - October 2021
Physicians' CornerThe hot topic for this month is COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5 to 11.
- SAVE THE DATE - Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 from 2 to 3 p.m., for a virtual town hall on COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years of age. In this virtual webinar, you will hear from Dr. Hirji about local preparations for vaccinating this age group, how to navigate vaccine hesitancy, and how to support this campaign by administering vaccines in your practice. Pediatricians, Family physicians and primary care providers are invited to attend this session. Register today! -------- Don't forget to read the FAQs for health care professionals webpage. Check this page often for up to date information. Don't see the response to your question? Call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line Monday - Friday, 9:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at 905-688-8248, press 7 then press 1. UPDATE: Influenza Antivirals in Congregate Settings for the 2021-2022 Influenza SeasonPublic Health Ontario has released updated guidance for antiviral medication. Both Influenza Antiviral Treatment and Antiviral Medication Use During an Influenza Outbreak: Congregate Settings documents will help answer common questions on treatment and prophylactic use during respiratory virus outbreaks in congregate settings. If the health care professional answers "yes" to these three (3) questions, antiviral medication would be recommended
Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Antiviral medications works best if administered early; within 24 hours of symptom onset should be the goal, with effectiveness dropping quickly thereafter. Commencing antivirals 48 hours after symptom onset has only minimal value, but can be considered. Laboratory confirmation is not required to initiate antiviral treatment. A recommended tactic is to start antivirals for treatment as soon as any symptoms present, and then to discontinue them if testing identifies an alternate pathogen. In advance of the start of influenza season, please consider having a standing order for antivirals (with refill orders) for your patients in long term care homes, retirement home and congregate living settings to facilitate rapid use of them. Resources
REVIEW: Respiratory SurveillanceSurveillance Update: Influenza Activity Low
Please refer to Niagara Region’s Flu Activity page for up-to-date local influenza data, updated every Tuesday. REVIEW: CME Safer Supply. A Paradigm Shift in the Midst of Niagara’s Worsening Overdose Epidemic.We were excited to see so many of you attend the Safer Supply CME last month. If you were unable to attend and you are interested in learning how to
You can now
For information on implementing Safer Supply in your clinic, please contact the Primary Care & Stakeholder Engagement Advisor. Revisiting the Enhanced 18-month Well-baby Visit and Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Child Development Support in NiagaraThe enhanced 18-month well-baby visit (EWBV) provides an opportunity to promote healthy child development and identify developmental concerns early. In 2018, four domains measured by the Early Development Instrument indicated that the vulnerability of children in Niagara had risen above the provincial average. This is even more concerning as we see growing evidence of the negative child and family outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This 10 minute survey will help understand the impact on implementation of the EWBV and other early childhood development services provided by primary care providers in Niagara since COVID-19. Results will inform new early child development campaigns, opportunities to enhance the implementation of the EWBV, and tools, resources and/or professional development that might benefit our primary care partners. Please complete the online survey. It is important that every provider (physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered practical nurse, etc.) in the practice completes the survey. Responses can be submitted until Nov. 19, 2021. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS
Not yet subscribed? Receive medical advisories and memos electronically from Niagara Region Public Health - subscribe here. |