In this issue - July 2026

Program Updates
• Resources for Air Quality Events
• New AEFI Resource
• Continuity of Care for Vaccination Services Within Your Practice
• Early Introduction for Food Allergy Prevention
• Mobile Cognitive Assessor partner update

Educational Opportunities

Public Health Alerts
• Medical Advisory: Lyme Disease Surveillance and Clinical Guidance
• Medical Advisory: Bicillin® L-A Shortage and Use of Lentocilin® S 1200
• Memo: New Vaccine Product, Reconstitution and Vaccine Ordering Reminders

As we continue through the warm summer months, we’re pleased to share the latest updates and resources to support your practice and the patients you serve.

With air quality events becoming more frequent, this issue includes resources on wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Primary care providers play a critical role in helping patients prepare for and reduce the health risks associated with these environmental hazards.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community. Your dedication and expertise make a meaningful difference every day.

Dr. Azim Kasmani
Medical Officer of Health
Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services

Resources for Air Quality Events

As wildfire smoke and extreme heat events become more common in our region, these resources explore the associated health risks and highlight practical measures to help reduce harm:

New AEFI Resource

Public Health Ontario (PHO) has released a new vaccine safety monitoring resource for health care professionals that can be used as a quick reference when discussing vaccine safety with patients or explaining how vaccine safety is monitored in Ontario.

The resource:

Explains how vaccine safety monitoring in Ontario fits within the broader Canadian vaccine safety monitoring system
Describes how adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) are identified, reported, investigated and monitored
Supports consistent communication with patients about vaccine safety

More Information

Report Adverse Events After Immunization (for health care professionals)
Vaccine Safety (for patients)
Contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396

Continuity of Care for Vaccination Services Within Your Practice

Health care providers play an essential role in providing timely access to routine vaccines. The Ontario Ministry of Health identifies primary care as the primary setting for adult immunization as it is often the most accessible option for patients.

Public Health clinics exist to bridge gaps in Niagara for individuals with barriers to access (e.g. without a health card or access to a health care provider). Our clinics must prioritize children who require vaccines to attend child care and school. Public Health clinics should not be an alternative for patients who are rostered to a provider or receive care in a practice that offers immunization.

Health Care Provider Action:

Continue administering all publicly funded vaccines in your office to your patients
Contact Public Health for vaccine guidance as needed; vaccine nurses are available to support your practice
Plan your vaccine orders in advance; orders are filled twice a month. Vaccines are not typically an emergency; clients can often wait two weeks for the vaccine to be delivered.

For more information, contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396.

Early Introduction for Food Allergy Prevention

Food allergies affect an estimated 850,000 in Ontario. Current evidence supports early, consistent introduction of allergenic foods, especially peanuts and cow’s milk, to promote tolerance and reduce allergy risk.

Guidance for Health Care Providers

Recommend early introduction of allergenic foods when infants are developmentally ready for solid foods (around 6 months of age but not before 4 months), with early oral exposure prioritized for infants at high risk of food allergy (e.g., those with eczema)
Encourage regular ingestion (several times per week); ongoing exposure is key and may reduce allergy risk by >80%
Support exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; if cow’s milk formula has been introduced, advise small daily amounts to prevent milk allergy from developing
Educate caregivers on recognizing reactions (hives, vomiting, swelling, respiratory symptoms) and when to seek care
Refer promptly to an allergist for suspected reactions or high-risk cases; early recognition and timely referrals are critical to optimize outcomes and support prevention

Resources for Health Care Providers

Visit Early introduction: Eat Early. Eat Often. - Food Allergy Canada for more information
Refer caregivers to Niagara Region Public Health for additional parenting supports

Mobile Cognitive Assessor Program Expands Access to Dementia Care

Primary care health practitioners can refer Niagara residents to the Mobile Cognitive Assessor program by completing the memory clinic referral form available through the Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team. Completed forms should be faxed to 905-356-2568. For referral questions, call 905-356-2236, ext. 254.

The program provides cognitive assessments in patients’ homes, helping reduce barriers for people who may find clinic-based care difficult or stressful.

Find out more about the program by reviewing the resource sheet and the NOHT-ÉSON's Spring 2026 Connected Care Newsletter.

Visit the Professional Development Opportunities page for in-person and online opportunities available to health care professionals in Niagara.

Medical Advisories and Memos

Don't miss important communications from Public Health! Sign up to receive health care professional alerts and urgent notices.

MEDCIAL ADVISORY: July 23 - Lyme Disease Surveillance and Clinical Guidance
MEDICAL ADVISORY: July 16 - Bicillin® L-A Shortage and Use of Lentocilin® S 1200
MEMO: July 13 - New Vaccine Product, Reconstitution and Vaccine Ordering Reminders

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