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Home Health and Wellness COVID-19 UpdateHealth Care Professionals

Durham Health Connection Line is responding to messages only

Messages will be responded to from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please leave only one message and your call will be returned in priority sequence.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911.

Durham Region Health Department strives to provide exceptional customer service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing unprecedented call volumes that have resulted in extended response times. While we understand this may be frustrating, we have zero tolerance for clients who engage in the use of profane, aggressive, abusive, sexist, racist or homophobic language. Any such calls will not be responded to, and where necessary, referred to the appropriate authority for follow-up.

COVID-19

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Updated PHO IPAC recommendations for use of PPE for COVID-19

Visit durham.ca/novelcoronavirus for the latest information from Durham Region Health Department.

What is the Health Department’s role in managing and monitoring COVID-19?
Durham Region Health Department works closely with individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This is done to help identify potential risk for other community members who may have had contact with the person diagnosed with COVID-19 while they were ill. This includes identifying and assessing the risk of exposure for individuals (e.g. health care providers who provided care for the individuals while they were ill) and community settings (e.g. clinic waiting rooms, public transit etc.). As the scope of Durham Region Health Department’s COVID-19 response expands to address both vaccine administration and case and contact management, the Health Department is receiving assistance from the Provincial Workforce for case and contact management. Residents who test positive for COVID-19 may receive follow-up calls from the Provincial Workforce as well as a text message, asking them to complete a voluntary assessment form. Completing this helps Durham Region Health Department with the important work of contact tracing. All information collected is kept confidential and protected by Ontario’s strict privacy laws and will only be used for public health purposes.
FAX abouts
Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound June 21, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine at Local Pharmacies May 28, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Open for Individuals 12+ May 26, 2021 AstraZeneca Vaccine - On Pause May 12, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination for Special Populations: High-Risk Children 12 to 15 Years of Age April 27, 2021 AstraZeneca Vaccine at Local Pharmacies April 23, 2021 Batch Order Available for School-based Immunizations April 16, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update & Physician Reminders April 14, 2021 Tick Identification and Testing April 13, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update April 8, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update April 1, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update March 31, 2021 Spring School-based Immunization Clinics Update March 26, 2021 Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound March 25, 2021 Client Load Template (COVax)(xlsx) COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update March 23, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update March 15, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Resource for Healthcare Providers March 15, 2021 Service Closures March 11, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adult Recipients of Chronic Home Care March 6, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adults 80 Years and Older March 3, 2021 Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now! March 3, 2021 Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now! March 1, 2021 Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now! February 22, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Update #1 February 12, 2021 New eConsult for COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies Available to Health Care Providers February 9, 2021 Report of Adverse Event Following COVID-19 Vaccine January 5, 2021 Flu Vaccine: Expanded Scope of Practice for Pharmacists December 23, 2020 Influenza Vaccine: Influsplit December 11, 2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Survey December 7, 2020 Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Supply Update December 2, 2020 Influenza Vaccine: Ordering Process Update October 30, 2020 Influenza arrives in Durham Region October 29, 2020 High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update 2 October 27, 2020 High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update October 8, 2020 Influenza Vaccine September 25, 2020 COVID-19: Reopening of Schools September 18, 2020 Immunization Services During COVID-19 September 16, 2020 Clinics Reopening July 8, 2020 COVID-19: Reopening Dental Practices June 17, 2020 COVID-19 Update #12 March 27, 2020 COVID-19 Update #11 March 18, 2020 COVID-19 Update #10 March 13, 2020 COVID-19 Update #9 March 11, 2020 COVID-19 Update #8 March 3, 2020 COVID-19 Update #7 March 2, 2020 COVID-19 Update #6 February 27, 2020 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #5 February 11, 2020 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #4 February 10, 2020 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #3 February 4, 2020 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #2 January 29, 2020 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #1 January 24, 2020
Health Department Facts About...
COVID-19 fact sheets Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC) COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 close contact Physical distancing Self-monitoring Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the home Facts about... COVID-19 school and child care screening Outbreaks in schools Outbreak in a child care centre Instructions for individuals tested for COVID-19 Self-isolation Grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies and gas stations during COVID-19 Guidance for community partners that are offering places to stay warm during COVID-19 Information for shelter service settings providers Preventative measures for workplaces after a COVID-19 case Infection prevention and control in group home settings Migrant farm worker operations during COVID-19 Community and allotment gardens during COVID-19 Living in communal settings Surveillance testing Guidance for community partners that are offering places to stay cool during COVID-19
Ontario Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance documents and signage
NOTE: As the list of impacted countries is rapidly evolving, health professionals are encouraged to consult Tables 1 and 2 in the daily WHO situation report to help inform their decision making around whether or not to test a patient for COVID-19. WHO situation reports The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care have produced guidance documents for a number of health sectors related to COVID-19. These documents will be updated as necessary. Access these sector specific documents Signage Patients: English* \| Simplified Chinese Visitors: English \| Simplified Chinese
Ontario Medical Association documents
Ontario Medical Association coronavirus summary of primary care guidance January, 31, 2020 (V1)
Public Health Agency of Canada resources
Public Health Agency of Canada awareness resources (Posters translated for English, French, Chinese) For people who have travelled to the Province of Hubei, China For people who have travelled to mainland China

What is the Health Department’s role in managing and monitoring COVID-19?

Durham Region Health Department works closely with individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This is done to help identify potential risk for other community members who may have had contact with the person diagnosed with COVID-19 while they were ill. This includes identifying and assessing the risk of exposure for individuals (e.g. health care providers who provided care for the individuals while they were ill) and community settings (e.g. clinic waiting rooms, public transit etc.).

As the scope of Durham Region Health Department’s COVID-19 response expands to address both vaccine administration and case and contact management, the Health Department is receiving assistance from the Provincial Workforce for case and contact management. Residents who test positive for COVID-19 may receive follow-up calls from the Provincial Workforce as well as a text message, asking them to complete a voluntary assessment form. Completing this helps Durham Region Health Department with the important work of contact tracing. All information collected is kept confidential and protected by Ontario’s strict privacy laws and will only be used for public health purposes.

FAX abouts

Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound
June 21, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine at Local Pharmacies
May 28, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Open for Individuals 12+
May 26, 2021
AstraZeneca Vaccine - On Pause
May 12, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination for Special Populations: High-Risk Children 12 to 15 Years of Age
April 27, 2021
AstraZeneca Vaccine at Local Pharmacies
April 23, 2021
Batch Order Available for School-based Immunizations
April 16, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update & Physician Reminders
April 14, 2021
Tick Identification and Testing
April 13, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
April 8, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
April 1, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 31, 2021
Spring School-based Immunization Clinics Update
March 26, 2021
Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound
March 25, 2021
- Client Load Template (COVax)(xlsx)
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 23, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Resource for Healthcare Providers
March 15, 2021
Service Closures
March 11, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adult Recipients of Chronic Home Care
March 6, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adults 80 Years and Older
March 3, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
March 3, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
March 1, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
February 22, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Update #1
February 12, 2021
New eConsult for COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies Available to Health Care Providers
February 9, 2021
Report of Adverse Event Following COVID-19 Vaccine
January 5, 2021
Flu Vaccine: Expanded Scope of Practice for Pharmacists
December 23, 2020
Influenza Vaccine: Influsplit
December 11, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine Survey
December 7, 2020
Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Supply Update
December 2, 2020
Influenza Vaccine: Ordering Process Update
October 30, 2020
Influenza arrives in Durham Region
October 29, 2020
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update 2
October 27, 2020
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update
October 8, 2020
Influenza Vaccine
September 25, 2020
COVID-19: Reopening of Schools
September 18, 2020
Immunization Services During COVID-19
September 16, 2020
Clinics Reopening
July 8, 2020
COVID-19: Reopening Dental Practices
June 17, 2020
COVID-19 Update #12
March 27, 2020
COVID-19 Update #11
March 18, 2020
COVID-19 Update #10
March 13, 2020
COVID-19 Update #9
March 11, 2020
COVID-19 Update #8
March 3, 2020
COVID-19 Update #7
March 2, 2020
COVID-19 Update #6
February 27, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #5
February 11, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #4
February 10, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #3
February 4, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #2
January 29, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #1
January 24, 2020

Health Department Facts About...

COVID-19 fact sheets

Ontario Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance documents and signage

*NOTE: As the list of impacted countries is rapidly evolving, health professionals are encouraged to consult Tables 1 and 2 in the daily WHO situation report to help inform their decision making around whether or not to test a patient for COVID-19.

WHO situation reports

The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care have produced guidance documents for a number of health sectors related to COVID-19. These documents will be updated as necessary.

Access these sector specific documents

Signage

Patients: English | Simplified Chinese
Visitors: English | Simplified Chinese

Ontario Medical Association documents

Ontario Medical Association coronavirus summary of primary care guidance
January, 31, 2020 (V1)

Public Health Agency of Canada resources

Public Health Agency of Canada awareness resources

(Posters translated for English, French, Chinese)

Diseases of public health significance

COVID-19 institutional outbreaks in Durham Region infographic

Regular Health Department resources and services

Order free print resources for your clients

How healthy are Durham Region residents?

We use health indicators to monitor the health status of local residents. Health data for Durham Region comes from many sources, such as the Census, surveys and hospitals.

Check out the latest Durham health statistics

Alerts and updates

Get the latest, local statistics on opioids in Durham Region including:

Weekly number of suspected opioid overdose calls received by Region of Durham Paramedic Services
Monthly number of confirmed opioid overdose emergency department visits
Annual number of opioid-related deaths

Durham Region Opioid Information System

Infectious disease surveillance

Durham Region outbreak status report Durham Region Flu Tracker

FAX abouts

2021

"What's Up Doc?" Series - Volume 14, Number 2, July 2021
July 20, 2021
Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound
June 21, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine at Local Pharmacies
May 28, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Open for Individuals 12+
May 26, 2021
Lyme Disease is still here!
May 19, 2021
AstraZeneca Vaccine - On Pause
May 12, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination for Special Populations: High-Risk Children 12 to 15 Years of Age
April 27, 2021
AstraZeneca Vaccine at Local Pharmacies
April 23, 2021
Batch Order Available for School-based Immunizations
April 16, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update & Physician Reminders
April 14, 2021
Tick Identification and Testing
April 13, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
April 8, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
April 1, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 31, 2021
Spring School-based Immunization Clinics Update
March 26, 2021
Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine for Clients who are Housebound
March 25, 2021
- Client Load Template (COVax)(xlsx)
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 23, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
March 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Resource for Healthcare Providers
March 15, 2021
Service Closures
March 11, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adult Recipients of Chronic Home Care
March 6, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking for Adults 80 Years and Older
March 3, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
March 3, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
March 1, 2021
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Now!
February 22, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Update #1
February 12, 2021
New eConsult for COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies Available to Health Care Providers
February 9, 2021
Immunization Reminder Letter to Students will be sent in late February
February 5, 2021
Update: Revised Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule is Now Available
January 26, 2021
"What’s Up Doc?" Series - Volume 13, Number 4, January 2021
January 22, 2021
Report of Adverse Event Following COVID-19 Vaccine
January 5, 2021

2020

Nimenrix® or Menactra®
December 14, 2020
Influenza Vaccine: Influsplit
December 11, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine Survey
December 7, 2020
Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Supply Update
December 2, 2020
"What's Up Doc?" Volume 13, Number 3, October 2020
November 2, 2020
Influenza Vaccine: Ordering Process Update
October 30, 2020
Influenza arrives in Durham Region
October 29, 2020
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update 2
October 27, 2020
Transition from Zostavax® II to Shingrix®
October 15, 2020
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update
October 8, 2020
Influenza Vaccine
September 25, 2020
COVID-19: Reopening of Schools
September 18, 2020
Immunization Services During COVID-19
September 16, 2020
"What's Up Doc?" Volume 13, Number 2, July 2020
July 28, 2020
Clinics Reopening
July 8, 2020
TB Medication Shortage
June 18, 2020
COVID-19: Reopening Dental Practices
June 17, 2020
COVID-19 Update #12
March 27, 2020
COVID-19 Update #11
March 18, 2020
COVID-19 Update #10
March 13, 2020
COVID-19 Update #9
March 11, 2020
COVID-19 Update #8
March 3, 2020
COVID-19 Update #7
March 2, 2020
COVID-19 Update #6
February 27, 2020
Rifampin Shortage
February 12, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #5
February 11, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #4
February 10, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #3
February 4, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #2
January 29, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Update #1
January 24, 2020
Discontinuation of Rabies Immune Globulin-Sparing Protocol
January 22, 2020
Hepatitis B Vaccine Packaging Has Changed!
January 6, 2020

2019

Vaccine Safety in Ontario
December 16, 2019
Helping Local Health Care Professionals Help Their Patients!
December 10, 2019
Alcohol and Cancer
December 3, 2019
National Ethambutol Shortage
November 14, 2019
It’s Time to Fall Back! Change Your Batteries for the Fall!
November 4, 2019
Influenza Vaccine is now Available for the General Public!
October 30, 2019
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine: Product Availability Update
October 25, 2019
"What's Up Doc?" Series Volume 12, Number 3, October 2019
October 18, 2019
Immunization Notice Time is Near!
October 18, 2019
Lyme Disease on the Rise!
October 10, 2019
Influenza Vaccine Now Available for High-Risk Groups Only
October 1, 2019
Health advisory for vaping products
September 25, 2019
Pharmacy Flu Temperature Log Requirements
September 23, 2019
Free Online Prenatal Classes
September 17, 2019
National Rifampin Shortage Resolved
September 11, 2019
Vision Screening of Senior Kindergarten (SK) Children
We want to hear from you!
September 3, 2019
Hepatitis A Situation in Southwestern Ontario Health Unit
August 28, 2019
Impact of Rowan’s Law for Concussion Care
August 28, 2019
A Primary Care Perspective on Hepatitis C Management
Health Care Provider Education Session and Breakfast
August 14, 2019
Rabies Immune Globulin-Sparing Guidelines
August 13, 2019
Locally-acquired Cyclosporiasis in Ontario
August 13, 2019
Rabies Products Shortages
July 30, 2019
Breastfeeding Questions? We Can Help!
July 29, 2019
World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2019
July 26, 2019
"What's Up Doc?" Series Volume 12, Number 2, July 2019
July 22, 2019
National Rifampin Shortage
July 15, 2019
Sample Letter re: Hepatitis A IgM Antibody Results
July 4, 2019
Increase in hepatitis A IgM antibody indeterminate and reactive results
June 28, 2019
Durham.ca/HCP has a new look!
June 21, 2019
Ongoing Outbreak of XDR Salmonella Typhi in Pakistan
May 30, 2019
West Nile Virus Surveillance
May 24, 2019
Be on Top of Spots – Measles Update
May 15, 2019
Continuing Medical Education Event - Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Acute Care Settings
May 14, 2019
May is Rabies Awareness Month
May 14, 2019
Potassium iodide tablets distribution in Durham Region
May 8, 2019
Flu Season is Done and the Return Has Begun!
May 2, 2019
"What's Up Doc?" Series Volume 12, Number 1, April 2019
May 1, 2019
Rectal/Pharyngeal Testing for Gonorrhea
May 1, 2019
Updated List of Diseases of Public Health Significance and NEW Online Institutional Outbreak Notification
April 29, 2019
World TB Day - March 24, 2019
March 21, 2019
HPV4 Vaccine Transitioning to HPV9 Vaccine
March 15, 2019
Shortage of Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax®)
March 12, 2019
It’s Time to Spring Forward and Change Your Batteries!
March 11, 2019
Should I give Tdap-IPV or DTaP-IPV-Hib to my school aged patient?
February 1, 2019
"What’s Up Doc?" Series - Volume 11, Number 4, January 2019
January 30, 2019
Vision Screening of Senior Kindergarten Children
January 8, 2019
Vision Screening of Senior Kindergarten Children
January 2, 2019

Forms

Naloxone distribution

Ontario Naloxone Program (ONP)

Eligible community agencies are now able to order naloxone kits from the Health Department to distribute to:

Individuals who are at risk of opioid overdose;
Friends and family members of individuals at risk of opioid overdose;
Newly released inmates at risk of opioid overdose

How to become a registered naloxone distribution site

To determine eligibility please complete the ONP Eligibility Application. Once you complete this application, a representative from Durham Region Health Department will contact you.

Application form

Current sites

Monthly order form Reporting form

Assessment

Order

Naloxone kit order form (for registered sites)

Vaccines

Annual fridge inspections

Annual fridge inspections will begin in August 2020 and continue throughout the remainder of the year. Over the next few months, a public health nurse (PHN) will contact you to schedule an inspection time. Due to COVID-19, the PHN completing your inspection may not be your regularly assigned PHN.

If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming fridge inspection, please email fridges@durham.ca.

Take our 2020-2021 influenza vaccine administration survey

Please take a moment to complete our short survey. Your feedback will assist the Health Department in determining your organization’s capacity to provide influenza vaccination this season.

Take the survey

Forms are for print purposes only.

Referral

Reporting

Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) report form
(Right click the link above and select "Save link/target as" to download.)
Animal bite/exposure reporting form
Animal disease reporting form for veterinarians
Cold chain incident instructions
Diseases of public health significance notification form
Immunization record update form for parents
Immunization: Statement of medical exemption for child attending child care
Immunization: Statement of medical exemption for child attending school
Health care worker influenza immunization coverage reporting form (DOC)
Questions and answers

Tools and guidance documents

Alcohol, opioids and smoking

Alcohol

Alcohol screening, Brief Intervention and Referral (SBIR)

Patch for Patch Program (Opioids)

Smoking

Concussions

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is responsible for implementing Rowan’s Law. Please visit their website for information from the Ontario Government regarding this legislation.