Pfizer Vaccine Now Available to Children Ages Six Months to Five Years Old

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available across Ontario for all children aged six months to five years old according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

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The announcement was by the provincial government made on Sunday. This is a three-dose primary series with recommended intervals of two months (56 days) between each of the three doses according to PPH.

“Health Canada’s approval means that the vaccine is safe, effective, high-quality, and will ensure that these children are also protected from severe illness,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health.

They recommended that no other vaccine, unless urgently required, should be given within 14 days of receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ontario Government is discouraging the mixing of vaccine brands at this time for this age group.

Any child who receive the Pfizer vaccine must receive all three doses in order to complete their primary series. Parents and caregivers request a vaccine brand at PPH’s clinic but receive whichever vaccine is available.

Dedicated vaccination clinics for these children are offered at the Peterborough Square (lower level of 340 George St N.) clinic.

One-hour underground parking is available for residents attending the clinic. The PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar are available for updates on eligibility and appointment availability.

Parents and caregivers are can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for children:

• Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ OR

• Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900

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Canada Removing COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures For October 1

The federal government is removing COVID-19 entry restrictions to anyone entering Canada beginning on Oct. 1, announced on Monday.

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Any testing, quarantine and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada are being scrapped.

“We have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border,” said Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos,
minister of health. “However, we expect COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate over the cold months so I encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination including booster doses and exercise individual public health measures.”

The government’s decision to lift restrictions was due to several factors including indications of Canada largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 wave, Canada’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates, high availability and use of vaccine boosters, rapid tests and treatments for COVID-19.

“Canada’s travel measures successfully mitigated the full impact of COVID-19 for travellers and workers in the transportation sector, and helped keep communities safe,” said Hon. Omar Alghabra,
minister of transport.

“Since the start, our Government has taken the necessary steps to keep Canadians safe in the face of a global pandemic,” said Hon. Marco Mendicino, minister of public safety. “COVID-19 border measures were always meant to be temporary and we are making adjustments based on the current situation because that’s what Canadians expect.”

Starting on Oct. 1, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

• submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;

• provide proof of vaccination;

• undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;

• carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;

• monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.

Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements for the date mentioned above as travellers will no longer be required to:

• undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or

• wear masks on planes and trains.

Anyone who entered Canada two weeks prior to Oct. 1 is not required to complete the remainder of their quarantine or isolation or complete their testing requirements.

Despite the lifted masking requirement, The Government of Canada strongly recommended that all travellers wear high-quality and well-fitted masks while travelling.

Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

The federal government urges anyone to not travel if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you become sick while travelling and are still sick prior to arrival, inform a flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer when entering Canada. A quarantine officer could be referred to and decides whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.

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Peterborough Public Health Reports First Influenza Case of the Season; Flu Shots Available This Fall

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reported the first confirmed case of influenza in our region announced on Wednesday.

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This year’s case comes significantly earlier than those identified prior to the pandemic according to PPH. They reported the first confirmed case of the 2018-19 flu season on Dec. 3 and Nov. 1 in the following year.

“We are seeing a very early start to the season and want to caution our community that a confirmed case typically indicates that influenza is already transmitting,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “Following trends from the southern hemisphere, we anticipate that influenza will make a strong resurgence this season. We strongly encourage residents to follow guidance to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated with the flu shot when it becomes available this fall and checking the COVID-19 risk index and guidance regularly.”

The flu shot will be available later this fall and is free to all eligible residents. Residents over the age of six months are eligible for the flu shot when available.

“Like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms related to the viral infection,” said Dr. Piggott. “We are strongly encouraging those with weaker immune systems, those who are pregnant, older adults, young children and caregivers of these individuals to receive their flu shot this fall.”

Residents over five years are reminded by PPH that the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. There is no specific time interval that is required to wait between doses.

Dr. Piggott says residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing an influenza infection. PPH encourages residents to,

• Get the flu shot when it becomes available

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 and other routine vaccines

• Follow risk guidance measures recommended in the Local COVID-19 Risk Index

• Wear a tightly fitting N95/KN95 mask to prevent transmission in higher risk and indoor settings, when the risk index advises

• Be mindful of indoor air ventilation, and open windows, run HVAC regularly and otherwise improve indoor air ventilation

• Stay home if you are feeling unwell

• Wash your hands frequently

• Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently

• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards

Peterborough’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index is moderate.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert After Higher Number Reported Incidents

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings announced on Wednesday afternoon.

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PPH detected a higher than usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Tuesday.

There was a total of five drug-related poisonings that were treated by the emergency department according to PPH. They suspect it as a result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity. The number of emergency department visits has prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community.

“Peterborough Public Health has detected an increase in opioid-related harms,” said Joscelyn Qualthrough, PPH health promoter. “this is thought to be a result of a product recently sold as fentanyl which may be contaminated with toxic substances of inconsistent or increased potency.”

PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone if necessary as it may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

“If you use substances, do not use drugs alone. Have a plan,” said Qualthrough. “Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677. If you use with a friend, do not use it at the exact same time and always carry a Naloxone kit.”

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days/week.

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be found by clicking here.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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A Second EarSense Location In Peterborough Allows Audiologist Judy Keith To Reach More Patients

With over 30 years of experience under her belt, Dr. of Audiology Judy Keith is back in Peterborough and ready to serve new or returning clients, to help them stay connected to their world through hearing.

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Having recently opened a second location, EarSense is now ready to serve patients on Lansdowne Street West, and continue serving clients at their East City location.

“We are so happy to be here in Peterborough,” said Keith. “This location will mean that we can reach more of our patients, and make it easier for them to get to us.”

Keith will spend her time between both locations, as will Stephen Ward, a board certified Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Together they strive to provide their clients with compassionate care and the knowledge they need to maintain healthy hearing.

EarSense can provide patients with audiologic assessments for all ages including pediatric care, hearing aid prescription, fitting, service and repairs. Counseling, tinnitus therapy, industrial testing, ear wax removal, custom ear protection (Industrial, Noise, Music), battery sales, assistive listening devices (TV, Phone, Alarms) and home visits.

Their new location features state of the art equipment that, with Keith and Ward’s experience and knowledge, will offer clients the best treatment possible.

“Once a person takes action to address hearing loss they sometimes have to decide to invest in hearing aids, which can be quite a costly thing sometimes,” said Keith. “Our goal is to make sure they are delighted with that investment - because it’s an investment of their time and their money.”

EarSense’s new location is located at 999 Lansdowne St. W.

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Ontarians 70 And Older Now Eligible For New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shot

The provincial government announced that the new Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available to eligible Ontario residents on Monday.

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For the highest risk, the eligibility requirements starting Sept 12 include:

• Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1952 or before)

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults (18+) and household members (18+)

• Health Care Providers (18+)

• Individuals who are pregnant (18+)

• Individuals living in long term care, congregate settings, retirement homes and elder care lodges

• Immunocompromised individuals (12+)

The Moderna Bivalent vaccine has been adapted from the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to target the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant.

All residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Bivalent vaccine on Sept 26.

Those eligible are encouraged to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving the bivalent vaccine.

Residents can book online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Commemorates Addicts; Bring Awareness and Reduce Stigma Of Addiction

An International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost to drug overdose was held by Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it.

Between January 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“The drug poisoning crisis is taking a significant and unacceptable toll on Peterborough’s region and community members,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. Drug poisonings are a public health issue. We know we need to do more to prevent further harms and deaths.”

This year, 31 people are suspected to have died as a result of drug poisonings with five of these deaths happening over a 10-day period this month according to the same report.

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Five Day Isolation No Longer Necessary For COVID Positive Ontarians

Ontarians that test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days and instead are advised to isolate until their fever has cleared and symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.

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This announced was made on Wednesday by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore at a press briefing.

“The main guidance now for the fall has to apply to all respiratory illnesses. So we need to have an approach that will decrease the transmission of RSV, influenza and COVID,” Moore said.

Moore noted that the ‘general advice’ is to stay at home when sick with any sort of virus or sickness.

He also highlighted that this news applies to the general public but for those working and living in high-risk facilities like long-term care and acute care facilities a ten day isolation period will still be in effect.

Moore confirmed at the press briefing that this announcement means those testing positive for COVID-19 can return to school or work if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, but individuals should continue to wear a mask in public for ten days from symptom onset.

He also noted that with a return to school and weather changing, Ontario is entering respiratory virus season.

Proper handwashing, improved ventilation in schools and workplaces and increased precautions should help prevent all respiratory viruses.

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Emergency Department At Campbellford Memorial Hospital Closed For The Night Due To Unexpected Nurse Shortage

The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily closed from 6:30 p.m. on Thursday until 7:30 a.m. on Friday due to an unexpected nursing staff shortage.

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According to a statement by the hospital, a contingency plan has been implemented to deal with this temporary closure to ensure the impact on patient care is as minimal as possible.

EMS and other emergency services are aware of the temporary closure and during these hours’ ambulances will take patients directly to the closest area hospital that offers emergency medical services.

In reaching this decision, CMH investigated all options available, including reaching out to regional partners who, while incredibly supportive, shared their own health human resource challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the implications of the shortage of health human resources throughout the Province,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO. “CMH is continuously re-evaluating our strategies to recruit and retain members of our team during these challenging times.” 

Anyone requiring emergency health care treatment during the closure should:

•  Call 911.

Anyone requiring urgent health care treatment should go directly to one of the following hospitals:

• Northumberland Hills Hospital, 1000 DePalma Dr., Cobourg

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King St., Trenton

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas St. E., Belleville

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre, 1 Hospital Dr., Peterborough.

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