Intraocular lenses when used to replace a patient’s natural lens of the eye are only licensed in Canada to treat cataracts. They are not licensed to replace lenses in patients without cataracts, and come with risks. HMC
December 07, 2021December 7, 2021
COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001269/ontario-accelerating-booster-eligibility-to-adults-aged-50 HMC
November 10, 2021November 10, 2021
Health Canada is updating the labels of the Janssen and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines
Health Canada is informing Canadians and healthcare professionals about changes to the product labels of the Janssen and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines.The Department is updating the label of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to provide additional information about the very rare risk of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune condition, and the rare risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following vaccination.Health Canada is also updating the label of the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccine to provide additional information about the very rare risk of thrombocytopenia, including the very rare risk of ITP, following vaccination. HMC
October 19, 2021October 19, 2021
Reports to poison centres concerning ivermectin as a prevention or treatment for COVID-19 have increased over the summer months
Health Canada is reminding Canadians not to use ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. Canadian poison centres have seen an increase in reports concerning ivermectin over the summer. There is no evidence that ivermectin works to prevent or treat COVID-19, and it is not authorized for this use. To date, Health Canada has not received any drug submission or applications for clinical trials for ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. HMC
August 31, 2021August 31, 2021
Ivermectin not authorized to prevent or treat COVID-19; It may cause serious health problems
Health Canada has received concerning reports of the use of veterinary ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. Canadians should never consume health products intended for animals because of the potential serious health dangers posed by them. In this light, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use either the veterinary or human drug versions of Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. There is no evidence that ivermectin in either formulation is safe or effective when used for those purposes. The human version of ivermectin is authorized for sale in Canada only for the treatment of parasitic worm infections in people....
August 20, 2021August 20, 2021
Third dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccination_rec_special_populations.pdf HMC
August 13, 2021August 13, 2021
Flu and COVID-19 Differences
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm HMC
August 13, 2021August 13, 2021
Vaccines for COVID-19
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OMA+News+August+13+2021&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.canada.ca%2fen%2fpublic-health%2fservices%2fdiseases%2fcoronavirus-disease-covid-19%2fvaccines.html&utm_id=145621&sfmc_id=7580034 HMC
August 13, 2021August 13, 2021
How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ HMC
August 10, 2021August 10, 2021
Legionellosis increasing in Ontario
Reports of Legionellosis have been increasing throughout Ontario. There have been 13 confirmed and 1 probable cases of legionellosis reported between July 1 and July 28, 2021 in the Region of Peel. Eleven of the cases are in the City of Mississauga and 3 cases are in the City of Brampton. Legionellosis is an acute infection caused by the bacterium, Legionella pneumophila. It is acquired through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or mists from devices such as cooling towers, humidifiers, showers and decorative fountains. It is not spread from person to person. Patient risk factors for Legionellosis include:Â Increasing age (50 years...
July 18, 2021July 18, 2021
Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer aerosol spray sunscreens recalled due to elevated benzene levels
Johnson & Johnson Inc. is recalling all lots of Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer children and adult sunscreens, in aerosol spray format, after testing conducted by the company detected elevated levels of benzene. Frequent and long-term exposure (e.g., through the skin and by inhalation) to elevated levels of benzene may pose serious health risks.
July 14, 2021July 14, 2021
Clarification on WHO statement about COVID-19 vaccine interchangeability
The media has recently reported that a physician associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that the mixing of vaccines was a ‘dangerous trend’. This was not an official statement by the World Health Organization. The statement was made at a session unrelated to vaccine mixing and was taken out of context by news agencies. This quote was in relation to a question about the need for COVID-19 booster shots. Scientists do not know yet if booster shots are necessary for additional or sustained protection. Remarks by WHO officials were not about Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination program nor did they...
July 12, 2021July 12, 2021
Real World Evidence for COVID-19 Vaccines
Similar to clinical trials, real world cohort and case-control studies find COVID-19 infections are reduced by >90% with two doses of mRNA vaccines. Single doses of either mRNA or AstraZeneca vaccine decreases infections by ~60% and hospitalizations by 70-80%. Vaccine effectiveness appears similar for variants of concern and are safe for pregnant women. HMC
July 02, 2021July 2, 2021
Updated information on AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines
On June 29, 2021, Health Canada issued a Health Product Risk Communication regarding the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel- avis/hc-sc/2021/75389a-eng.php Health Canada has updated the product monograph for the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines to add capillary leak syndrome as a potential side effect following vaccination. Patients with a history of capillary leak syndrome should not get the AstraZeneca or COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine. Patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of capillary leak syndrome which would include rapid swelling of the arms and legs and sudden weight gain, which can be accompanied by feeling faint. Changes...
June 21, 2021June 21, 2021
Second dose of COVID-19 Vaccination
NACI has provided updated recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine schedules. For those who have received a first dose of an AstraZeneca vaccine, an mRNA vaccine is preferred for the second dose due to emerging evidence suggesting better immune response, and, to mitigate the risk of VITT(Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia) from viral vector vaccines. HMC
June 06, 2021June 6, 2021
Myocarditis Risk
Since May 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada has been actively monitoring reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines through passive and active Canadian safety surveillance systems. Available information from international reports, including those from Israel and the United States, indicated that: cases were more commonly reported after the second dose, and symptom onset was typically within several days after vaccination. Cases were mainly among adolescents and young adults and were more often in males compared to females. Cases also typically experienced mild illness, responded well to conservative treatment and rest and had their symptoms improve quickly....
June 06, 2021June 6, 2021
COVID-19 Second Dose Booking
Residents aged 70 and over, as well as those who received the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 18, 2021 are now able to book their second dose appointments. The provincial booking system will allow these individuals to book appointments as of Monday, June 7, 2021 at 8:00 am. This is particularly important in Peel, given the presence of the Delta variant (B.1.617) in our community. The Delta variant is more transmissible compared to other variants and having two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine offers more protection. HMC
June 04, 2021June 4, 2021
Peel Youth COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
In order to support the vaccination of students before returning to school in the Fall, beginning Saturday, June 5, 2021, youth of at least 12 years old in Peel can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at school pop-up locations. Walk-in appointments are available for youth enrolled in special education programs, or youth seeking a different environment from a mass clinic experience. Second doses will be provided at the same location in August. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the risk and benefits of getting the COVID- 19 vaccine. For more information on vaccination for children, visit:Â https://peelregion.ca/coronavirus/vaccine/about/ #children The...
June 04, 2021June 4, 2021
Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Type-Interchangeability, Updated on June3, 2021
NACI recommends that persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for their second dose, unless contraindicated. On June 1, the Public Health Agency of Canada released updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the interchangeability of authorized COVID-19 vaccines (also referred to as ‘mixed vaccine schedules’). These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence and NACI’s expert opinion. Persons who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for their second dose....
May 31, 2021May 31, 2021
80 years or older can get their second dose earlier
Individuals turning 80 and over in 2021 are eligible to book their second dose appointments starting on May 31, 2021 at 8:00 am. You can book your second dose at the same location you received your first. If you can’t go to the same location, you can book an appointment at your primary care provider or a pharmacy. If you’re not sure how to re-book, or need help: Call Ontario’s vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). The Region of Peel COVID-19 Vaccination Line at 905-791-5202, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Individuals aged 70 and over...