Arnold Roberts was the first Ottawa Long Term Care (LTC) resident to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. Today, Mr. Roberts wants to share why it's important to continue to stay up to date with vaccinations.
Our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, visited a local pharmacy this week to receive her flu vaccine.
Find out where you can get your flu vaccine, and other ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - NOVEMBER 10, 2022
Our monitoring indicators show that COVID-19 levels in the community remain high.
Kindly read the post below for more info about our current situation.
Please note: while the % positivity fell from very high last week to high this week, we cannot say for sure whether the current levels are accurate due to an ongoing data system changeover.
In addition to COVID, our community is seeing an increase in respiratory virus activity and @CHEO has recently flagged unprecedented volumes of infants & children with respiratory symptoms from various viruses.
We strongly recommend wearing a well-fitted mask in any indoor and/or crowded public setting.
Wearing a mask protects not just you, but those around you, too.
Staying home when sick & staying up to date with vaccinations are also very important.
OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
ICYMI: our flu clinics have expanded their eligibility to include children aged 6 mths to 5 yrs & their household members.
Clinics will continue to serve those without OHIP who cannot access the vaccine through a pharmacy or healthcare provider. OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu
A big thank you to Mayor-Elect Mark Sutcliffe, who rolled up his sleeve to get his flu vaccine at a local pharmacy!
Wondering where to get a flu vaccine for you and your family?
Find more info on our website: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/flu/
The levels of COVID-19 circulating in our community remain high.
The fall respiratory illness season is underway, and it will likely be a challenging one. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and those around you here: ow.ly/msC850LrWgM
Remember, not everyone shows symptoms when infectious. When going to indoor and/or crowded public settings, be aware of added risk and act accordingly (wear a well-fitted mask, keep your distance if you can, etc.).
Staying up to date on your recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses is essential towards staying protected. Please note: the locations listed on the Provincial booking site aren’t your only options. You can go to your local pharmacy or check with your primary care provider, and we currently have 14 Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs throughout the community where you can drop in to get a COVID-19 vaccine: http://ow.ly/vcv050LrV04
Our monitoring indicators continue to show that the levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community are high.
The respiratory flu season is here. Masks will continue to add protection in crowded spaces during this season. Wearing a mask is simple, easy, and it helps protect you and those around you.
People over the age of 12 are now eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 booster. This booster will help protect you against the circulating Omicron variants. You can book an appointment, or you can drop-in to any of our clinics or Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs.
COVID-19 vaccines are also available from many pharmacies. You can find location info here: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
ICYMI: as of November 1st, everyone is eligible for a flu vaccine. Check in with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider to get yours.
Children 6mos-2years, Newcomers & those without OHIP can also book appts at our clinics. Read our PSA for more info: https://ottawa.ca/en/news/ottawa-public-health-launches-annual-influenza-vaccine-campaign
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - OCTOBER 20, 2022
Our monitoring indicators show that the levels of COVID-19 in our community are high.
And influenza has started to spread in the community, causing our first outbreak.
Take a look at this week's video & the tweets below for more info.
We know it's been a long 2.5 years, and we get it...but if you haven’t been wearing a mask in indoor and/or crowded public settings lately, this is the time to start again.
A well-fitted mask is a very effective way to protect yourself and those around you.
Please remember: anyone who is ending isolation after being sick should wear a mask in public for 10 days after their symptoms started.
We recommend everyone 5+ get a fall booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone 12+ is now eligible for a bivalent booster, as they offer better protection against the Omicron variants & will significantly reduce your risk of severe illness.
Info: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
The fall respiratory virus season is underway.
You can reduce the spread of viruses like colds or the flu by washing your hands often, coughing/sneezing in your elbow and staying home when you’re sick.
And yes, wearing masks helps with these viruses, too.
For awareness, flu vaccines are now available to people at higher risk of severe illness from pharmacies and primary care providers (though availability may vary).
They'll be available in pharmacies to people 2 years of age & older, and in primary care offices for people older than 6 months starting at the beginning of November.
Further updates will be provided on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
Many people in our community face barriers when it comes to accessing mental health services.
We've helped to bring community partners together to get mental health supports closer to those who need them!
Find a location near you: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodWellnessHubs
Healthy equity is an essential part of public health. We’re humbled to work w/ people like Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support who offer mental health & addiction supports for Black, African and Caribbean youth at our Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs.
Find a location near you: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodWellnessHubs
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - OCTOBER 13, 2022
Our indicators show that the levels of COVID-19 in our community are still high.
Please take a look at this week's video and read the post below for more info:
Our current data for new COVID-19 hospitalizations is incomplete, so the “decrease” shown might not reflect what’s actually happening out there.
Yes, we know that’s vague, but we felt it was important to let you know.
If eligible, now's the time to visit a local pharmacy or an OPH clinic & get a bivalent booster, so you'll be better protected against the Omicron variants.
Our clinics accept drop-ins to make things easier, but priority will go to those with appts. More info: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
We still strongly recommend wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor and/or crowded public places.
It’s a simple and very effective way to help protect yourself and those around you.
Lastly, fall respiratory virus season is here & we need to think about those added risks.
Remember: the layers of protection we’ve used throughout the pandemic (like masks, cough etiquette & staying home if sick) help protect us from colds & the flu.
Thanks for your time.
"Having a neighbourhood wellness hub, where everyone could come get a wellness tip, talk about the stigma of mental health, & how we can reduce that, is the most fulfilling feeling for me." - Faqrudin (but you can call him Turtle)
Please take a few moments & listen to his story...
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - OCTOBER 6, 2022
Our monitoring indicators continue to show there are high levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community.
Please take a look at this week's video & read the post below for more info.
COVID-19 is not the only respiratory virus out there.
Respiratory illness season has started, and continuing to use the layers of protection we’ve used against COVID-19 will help prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses like colds and the flu.
Screen yourself for symptoms before getting together with loved ones this long-weekend, and stay home if feeling sick.
Consider gathering outdoors if you're able. If gathering indoors, opening windows will provide improved ventilation.
We strongly recommend wearing a mask in any indoor and/or crowded public spaces.
A well-fitted mask goes a long way towards limiting the spread of many respiratory illnesses & preventing serious illnesses and even deaths in our community.
A bivalent COVID-19 booster offers increased protection against the Omicron variants, and it is now available to everyone over 18 years of age (12+ if immunocompromised).
It’s recommended to get this booster 6 months after your last dose for the strongest protection (but you can choose to get it after 3 months).
More info is available on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - SEPT 29, 2022
Our monitoring indicators are showing we are now in a new wave of COVID-19.
We are also heading into the respiratory illness season where we expect respiratory viruses to be circulating.
See the video below for details.
The same strategies we use to fight COVID-19 can help protect you from other viruses.
If you are feeling sick, stay home. Isolate until you have no fever & symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours. After isolating, continue to wear a mask in public for 10 days.
As the weather gets colder, more people will gather indoors. Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other viruses. Your actions matter.
A bivalent COVID-19 booster is now available to all adults 18+. This booster is an added layer of protection, giving your body even more ways, it can fight COVID-19.
You will be offered the bivalent vaccine at your appointment. Book here: https://www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - SEPT 22, 2022
Our monitoring indicators are showing an increase of COVID-19 in our community. Our overall levels of COVID-19 remain high.
See the video below for details.
Our actions matter.
Every single person who wears a mask in indoor and/or crowded public settings makes a difference.
Every person who stays home when sick, every person who stays up to date on recommended vaccine doses, all of it. It all matters.
If you are feeling sick, stay home. Do not stop isolating until you have no fever and your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.
When you’re done isolating, continue to wear a mask in public for 10 days after your symptoms started.
As you’re probably aware, the bivalent COVID-19 booster is now available to many higher-risk people and will be available to everyone 18+ soon.
This vaccine protects against the current COVID-19 variants in Ontario.
Find out more and book yours at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - SEPT 15, 2022
Another week, another update!
Our monitoring indicators are once again showing a levelling-off of the decreases seen in previous weeks and levels of COVID-19 remain high in our community.
With school resuming and colder weather approaching, it’s important to continue using layers of protection against COVID-19.
It’s worth noting that these layers of protection will also help protect against other seasonal respiratory viruses (like colds, flu and RSV).
We continue to strongly recommend wearing a mask in indoor and/or crowded public spaces.
Remember: if ending isolation after being sick, you should wear a mask in indoor public settings for 10 days after symptoms start. This is a simple way to protect those around you. (3/4)
The bivalent COVID-19 booster is now available to some higher-risk groups and will be open to all those 18+ in the coming weeks.
Vaccination (including boosters) remains our strongest defence against COVID-19. Info about staying up to date here: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - SEPT 8, 2022
Our monitoring indicators continue to show that we are on the downslope of this wave.
However, COVID-19 levels in the community remain high and the wave is not over.
With school resuming, and colder weather approaching, it is important to continue using layers of protection against COVID-19 and other seasonal respiratory viruses.
Wearing a mask in indoor and/or crowded public spaces is strongly recommended.
If ending isolation after being sick, you should wear a mask in indoor public settings for 10 days after your symptoms started.
It's a simple & effective way to help protect those around you.
Lastly, vaccination (including boosters) remains our strongest defense against COVID-19.
Be sure to stay up to date on your recommended doses. OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Our monitoring indicators continue to move in the right direction. It’s encouraging, but it does not mean this wave is over.
The overall levels of COVID in our community are still higher than we’d like to see.
The start of a new school year means new beginnings for so many students in the community.
It’s important that we give them the best opportunity to attend school as safely as possible by continuing to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Please remember that we continue to strongly recommend wearing masks in indoor and/or crowded public settings.
It's not just about protecting yourself, masks also help protect those around you.
If you’re planning to gather this Labour Day weekend, be vigilant with your layers of protection. Do not attend if feeling sick, wear a mask when needed, gather outdoors if possible, and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.
As we head into the cooler months, our actions can make a difference. Take steps now to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
We hope you enjoyed the #Ottawa beaches this summer! The swimming season is winding down and yesterday was the last day for lifeguard supervision at the City of Ottawa beaches. This also means an end to daily water quality testing.
Don't worry; we will be back with updates next year!
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - AUG 25, 2022
You’ll notice the phrase “remains relatively unchanged since the last update” appears on all indicators this week.
While it’s too early to tell if the decreases seen in previous weeks have stopped, it’s a reminder this wave is not over.
The levels of COVID-19 in our community are still high, and it’s very important to keep using your layers of protection.
We still strongly recommend wearing masks in indoor and/or crowded public settings.
It's a simple & effective way to protect you & those around you.
If you’re planning to attend a gathering this weekend (or anytime in the future), be extra vigilant with your layers.
Do not attend if feeling sick, wear a mask when needed, and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.
We've said this a lot these past couple of years, but it bears repeating: the actions we all take now can help influence the outcome of this wave in the weeks to come.
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
Take care.
COVID-19 SNAPSHOT - AUG 18, 2022
Our indicators are beginning to decline & that’s encouraging. But COVID-19 levels remain high in our community. Let's get ahead of the fall & do what we can to minimize impacts.
Check out this week's video & the tweets below for more info.
Getting together outdoors remains your option with the lowest risk (while also being a solid opportunity for physical activity), so be sure to take advantage of the summer weather while it’s still here.
OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RiskReduction
Our epidemiologists, nurses, doctors, community outreach workers, public health inspectors, mental health staff, communications team and countless others continue to work hard each day to support our community through this pandemic.
Be it managing outbreaks, providing much-needed booster doses, working on the ground in the community or our ongoing communications work, we are very much still in this with you, working for you.
Ottawa’s under 5 vaccine uptake remains one of the highest in Ontario! Thank you to all the parents and kiddos who are helping protect our community!
For those who still need to book their child’s appointment, now is the time (i.e. before schools resume). You can find helpful info on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine.
Thanks for your time, Ottawa.
Take care, & wear a mask when in indoor and/or crowded public spaces.
OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine is a one-stop-shop for COVID-19 vaccine information. Find answers to your vaccine related questions on our FAQ page, it’s that simple!
Earlier this year, #KidsComeFirst partners asked local youth groups to share their messages of hope, resilience and coping strategies during the #COVID19 pandemic. Take a minute and check out what O-YA Osgoode Youth Association & Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective had to say! #YourMinute #YouthMentalHealth #KidsComeFirst #OttawaChildandYouthInitiative Youth Net/Réseau Ado
Find out more: https://www.thelinkottawa.ca/en/your-minute-video-campaign_finalists.aspx
As of yesterday, proof of vaccination is required in certain settings. These are indeed difficult times, and we'll get through them with kindness & empathy.
Please take a moment to listen to this message from your Medical Officer of Health.
OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
Check out Darren's vaccine story:
Darren is Cree, a member of Fort Albany First Nation, and works at the University of Ottawa.
Darren’s #MyWhy for getting vaccinated is to be able to see his family; to protect himself, his loved ones, and the community.
Watch his story!
Need your 1st or 2nd COVID-19 vaccine dose? A mobile clinic will be hosted at Ottawa Markets (55 ByWard Market Square) for eligible residents aged 12+, on August 29, from 1 to 4 pm.
No appointment necessary!
More info here: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
There are some scary things on the internet about COVID-19 vaccines. Make sure to check credible sources and watch this myth busting video!
Dr. Trevor Arnason, Associate Medical Officer of Health, answers your COVID-19 vaccine questions!
Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate #CapitalPride virtually with us!
Please join us online for the annual OPH and CSSD Pride Flag Raising
Watch it live on Aug. 23 at 9:30 am here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMuaYm_GF48
Vaccine Ambassador Story - Iluju.mp4
Check out Professor Kiringa's vaccine story! He chose to get vaccinated to protect not only himself but also the people in his household. What is your #MyWhy?
