Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

Nov. 6, 2023

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

News & Updates

COVID-19 vaccine ordering update

The XBB.1.5-containing formulation of COVID-19 vaccine is now available to order from public health.

For individuals previously vaccinated against COVID-19, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing formulation of COVID-19 vaccine for individuals in the authorized age group if it has been at least 6 months from the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later). Please refer to the guidance for more information.

To order vaccine, primary care providers must have completed the Primary Care Provider COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness Checklist.

To order COVID vaccine, please use this link.

Publicly funded influenza vaccine remains available to order. The general population is now eligible to receive influenza vaccination.

  • Fluzone® High-Dose QIV and Fluad: due to limited supply of either vaccine, vaccines will be distributed to administer to those 65 years and older based on product availability.
  • DO NOT DELAY VACCINATION TO WAIT FOR PARTICULAR PRODUCT. Supply is limited based on vaccine product.
  • Use this year’s Influenza Vaccine Order Form. 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.

Enhanced masking measures for long term care and retirement homes

Enhanced masking measures for non-outbreak situations are now in effect in long term care homes (LTCHs):

  • Requiring staff, students, support workers, and volunteers to wear a mask when in resident areas indoors, and
  • Strongly recommending visitors and caregivers to wear a mask in resident areas indoors except when with the resident in the resident’s room or when eating or drinking with a resident in communal spaces. If a resident in a shared room is uncomfortable with others removing their mask, homes are encouraged to designate a space to enable the roommate to have visitors without masking.

LTCHs are expected to implement these enhanced masking changes as soon as possible and no later than Nov. 7, 2023.

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility has also provided enhanced masking recommendations for non-outbreak situations for retirement homes:

  • Strongly recommend that staff, students, volunteers, and essential visitors who are health care workers mask when in resident areas indoors in addition to point-of-care risk assessment (i.e., masking while in communal areas of the home including when not providing direct care).

Additional information:

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.


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