Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

Sept. 18, 2024

From:
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

In this Issue:

1. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccine information

News & Updates

Important information regarding influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccine

This memorandum is to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the 2024-25 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP), COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccines.

Influenza

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will not be holding community influenza clinics for the general public this year (pharmacies and health care providers (HCP) will be the primary source of vaccine administration to the general public), with the following exceptions:

• HPEPH will assist in immunizing some priority populations including those that do not have a HCP.
• HPEPH will focus on individuals under the age of five years.

It is recommended that all individuals ages six months and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario receive the influenza vaccine. Early doses of influenza vaccine are prioritized for high-risk individuals.

Vaccine ordering and distribution (hospital, LTCH, RH, HCP etc.)

The Ontario Ministry of Health will release guidance documents and seasonal vaccine products in the coming weeks. We will share this information with you as soon as it is available.

NOTE: Dates below are approximate and dependant on when HPEPH receives vaccine from the Ontario Government Pharmacy. HCPs will be notified if these anticipated dates change.

Orders for general population can be submitted the week of Oct. 21 and can be picked up after Oct. 30.

Pickup/delivery schedule for branch offices
(all offices closed 12 to 1 p.m.)

• Quinte West: Initial vaccine orders will be available at the HPEPH Trenton office starting Oct. 7. This office is only open Monday to Wednesday. To make other arrangements, please contact 613-966-5500, ext. 222. 
• Centre Hastings: Orders will be delivered to your office (Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15).
• Bancroft: Orders will be available for pick up at the HPEPH Bancroft office on Oct. 8 and 10, Oct. 22 and 24, Nov. 5 and 7, and Nov. 19 and 21.
• Prince Edward County: Orders will be available for pick up at the HPEPH Picton office Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, and Nov. 21.

Important things to consider when planning for Influenza and COVID- 19 vaccine orders:

• Reorders will be accepted when HPEPH supply is replenished by Ontario Government Pharmacy (approximately mid-late October)
• HCPs are encouraged to review their previous year’s vaccine administration quantities to assist in planning for first fall vaccine orders.
• HCP vaccine orders may be reduced based on the health unit’s current supply, past ordering amounts, usage, and wastage. HPEPH is committed to the equitable distribution of all fall vaccines across the region, while ensuring wastage is minimized.
• Use this year’s Influenza Vaccine Order Form included with this letter. Do NOT use HPEPH’s routine Vaccine/STI Medication Order Form. 
• All orders must be faxed to 613-966-8145, along with four weeks of fridge temperature logs.
• COVID-19 vaccine can be ordered at the same time if you have previously ordered COVID vaccine from HPEPH. You must have a COVAXon account for documentation of the COVID vaccine. Please ensure your COVAXon account is active prior to planned clinics. Please note that there is currently no COVID vaccine available. We are awaiting release of the new COVID vaccine.
• For more information, call the Vaccine Information Line at 613-966-5500, ext. 222.

For more information about the 2024-2025 UIIP please visit ontario.ca/page/universal-influenza-immunization-program.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be shared once available. Updates will be posted on the ministry websites and links will be provided in the HPEPH Public Health Bulletin.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Eligibility criteria for the High-risk Adult RSV Vaccine Program for fall 2024 are:

• Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes
• Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (e.g., complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
• Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
• Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

Long-term care homes, retirement homes and hospitals can order this vaccine by submitting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Order Form

Additional information:

• Older Adult High-Risk Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Program Fact Sheet

Contact Information: 

To report communicable diseases:613-966-5500 x349

To report AEFI or DOPHS: Online / Fax: 613-966-1813 or CDCFAX1@hpeph.ca

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

You have received this email at from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health as a result of a request you have made or due to a service/subscription that you are registered for. While you may discontinue your subscription to this mailing at any time by pressing the unsubscribe button below, please note that this bulletin will be used to provide important updates about infectious and communicable disease.