Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health-Care Providers

April 9, 2025

From:
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Deputy Medical Officer of Health
South East Health Unit (formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health)

In this Issue:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine guidance 
  2. RSV program update
  3. Steps to Wellness CBT program 
  4. New CANMAT guidelines

News & Updates

Guidance on use of COVID-19 vaccines 

In accordance with the recent release of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026 the Ontario government will be implementing the following annual COVID-19 vaccine program based on provincial epidemiology:

  • In fall 2024, unimmunized individuals or those that did not complete their primary series should have finished their primary series. All other individuals should have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
  • In spring 2025, previously immunized high-risk populations who have completed their primary series should receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

For a COVID-19 Program factsheet, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine Program | ontario.ca.

RSV prophylaxis program update​​​​​​​

As we approach the end of the 2024/25 respiratory illness season, we want to provide you with the following program update regarding the 2024-2025 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prophylaxis program.

High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program

  • The 2024-2025 adult RSV program will continue into the spring and vaccines for eligible individuals are available through public health. Request vaccine using this form.

Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program

  • The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has ended and doses of Beyfortus and Abrysvo should no longer be ordered or administered to infants, children, or pregnant individuals.
  • All remaining non-expired inventory is to be stored under appropriate cold chain for use next season in provider’s offices.
  • Health-care providers and health-care settings that have product should follow up with public health to determine next steps for Beyfortus inventory in their fridges by calling 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 222.
  • If doses of Beyfortus are required after April 4, 2025, they may be provided on a case- \by-case basis. All requests should be directed to the Vaccine Policy and Programs Branch at vacpro@ontario.ca.​​​​​​​

Please visit the Ministry of Health’s health-care provider website for more information and resources about the RSV program.

Thank you for your dedication to protecting the health and well-being of infants, children, families in our community.

Steps to Wellness program

Do you have a client who is suffering from a perinatal mood disorder?

South East Health Unit (formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) is offering an online, evidence-based, group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program, Steps to Wellness, for pregnant and new parents with babies up to 12 months of age, who have been feeling depressed, down or anxious. 

CBT principles offer a proven and effective means of understanding and reducing depressive or anxious symptoms.  During this nine-week series participants will meet weekly in a virtual group setting with public health nurses (PHNs) to learn skills, strategies, and tools to help manage their depression and anxiety. The PHNs offering this CBT program received training by Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout, perinatal psychiatrist and associate professor Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences Department at McMaster University, to ensure high program fidelity and quality implementation.  

Each week will build on the knowledge and skills taught the week before and participants will be provided with a workbook where they can record their goals and progress. Below is a brief overview of what will be covered during the nine-week series:

  •  
  • Introduction to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Thinking errors and behavioural activation
  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Healthy supportive relationships
  • Sleep and relaxation
  • Role transitions
  • Problem solving
  • Review of strategies
  • Relapse prevention​​​​​​​

How do I know if my client is eligible?

Eligibility criteria:

  • Female client over the age of 18
  • Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Score (EPDS) between 10-23
  • Child 12 months or younger or currently pregnant

Exclusion criteria:

  • EPDS less than 10 (can be nine or less if clinical judgement warrants)
  • EPDS greater than 23
  • An individual with active post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • An individual with bipolar disorder
  • An individual with borderline personality disorder
  • An individual with psychosis
  • An individual with active substance use
  • Response of two/ sometimes or three/ yes, quite often to question 10 on EPDS

Referrals for eligible clients can be done on our website at  Healthy Families Information for Health-Care Providers.

CANMAT: New guidelines now available

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) is excited to announce the 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders!  Guidelines are now published and available online here or in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

Back to Summary

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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