No images? Click here In This Issue - February 2022
Physicians' CornerIn Ontario, there has been success in getting vaccination of the 5-11 year old population up over 54%. Here in Niagara, we have less than 50% uptake in this age group. As most children in this age group receive their other vaccines through primary care, we believe primary care could be a difference-maker in vaccination of this age group. Earlier this month, the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) updated their position statement on COVID-19 vaccine for children and adolescents and have provided a number of recommendations for all children and adolescents 5 years of age and older. Please engage parents and their families in making the decision to get vaccinated. In this months Physicians' Corner video, Dr. Hirji digs into the data around risk of exposure to infection, adverse events from vaccination compared to infection, local and provincial vaccination rates and vaccines for children younger than 5 years of age. He also shares information on some of the things you can do in practice to support patients in understanding the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination and address any of their uncertainties. View this month's video below or click here. Have you checked out our dedicated COVID-19 Information for Health Care Professionals webpage? Here you will find statistics, vaccine information, testing options and a link to our COVID-19 FAQ page. Don't see the response to your question on the FAQ page? Call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at 905-688-8248, press 7 then press 1. UPDATE: COVID-19 ProjectionsOn February 1, 2022, the Ontario Science Table provided an update on COVID-19 projections as well as a supplement on February 8, 2022 regarding booster doses. It was shared that
UPDATE: Family Health Program & Services ResumeAll programs and services for parents, families and children that were disrupted due to staff redeployment for COVID-19 immunization clinics will resume by the end of February. The Maternal, Child for Health Care Professionals page provides resources for referrals, breastfeeding support, guidelines, prenatal services and Ontario’s enhanced well-baby visit. Please refer patients who could benefit from community supports and services to Niagara Parents using the Child & Family Support referral form. REVIEW: COVID-19 Resources for PatientsPatients are grappling with a large amount of confusing information and new uncertainties about COVID-19. To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
REVIEW: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Resources for Health Care ProfessionalsAll health care professionals should be prepared to address the concerns and fears of parents, guardians, adolescents, and children regarding COVID-19 vaccines. There are several tools and resources available to support you in practice and to support your patients with hesitations or questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and safety for themselves or their children.
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. Looking for education and professional development opportunities? Several opportunities are available to support health professionals in Niagara. Check this page often for updates! MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS
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