February 2018

Volume 23 ∙ Number 2
For Your Information
News for Health Care Providers
Flu Vaccine Estimated to be 42% Effective

According to a recent FluWatch Report from the Public Health Agency of Canada, a  Canadian study  reported a mid-season estimate of influenza vaccine effectiveness of 42% overall. The study confirmed an anticipated low vaccine effectiveness of 17% against the A(H3N2) strain and moderate vaccine effectiveness against influenza B of 55% which is circulating at high levels in Canada this season. Quadrivalent vaccine is currently recommended for anyone still seeking immunization.  
Analysis of trends in the prevalence of cannabis use in Canada, 1985 to 2015

Click here for a new Health Canada report that describes cannabis use trends among certain populations between 1985 and 2015.
Medication Take Back!

The Medication Take Back campaign was kicked off during Peterborough Police’s Drug Awareness Week February 5-9. A launch event was held at Westmount Pharmacy on February 6.
The key messages of Medication Take Back are:
o Any pharmacy will accept your unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications (including vitamins, creams & liquids) for FREE!
o For each medication you get:
  • SECURE it in a safe place,
  • KEEP TRACK of quantities and use as prescribed/instructed, and
  • TAKE IT BACK to a pharmacy when it expires or is unused.
o Remembering to TAKE IT BACK helps to prevent poisonings, misuse and falls while keeping our environment safe.

Encouraging our patients to get in the habit of returning unused and/or expired medications on an ongoing basis is a key aspect of this campaign. Posters and other resources are available to pharmacies interested in promoting the campaign at a convenient time.

Contact Deanna Leahy at 705-743-1000, ext. 354 or dleahy@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Rethink Your Drinking

Cancer matters when it comes to encouraging patients to “Rethink their drinking”

Several Ontario public health agencies participated in the Rethink Your Drinking campaign this January and February, with an emphasis on their “ Cancer Matters” messaging. This campaign is a province-wide effort designed to help change perceptions about alcohol use. Peterborough Public Health promoted key messages through social media February 1-8, tying into World Cancer Day February 4, Superbowl Sunday, and Drug Awareness Week.

For more information and resources, visit www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca or contact Deanna Leahy at 705-743-1000, ext. 354 or email dleahy@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Chronic Illness and Drinking

The poster illustrates a variety of chronic illnesses associated with alcohol use and is available to distribute to health offices by request (11”x17”).

For more information and resources, visit www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca or contact Deanna Leahy at 705-743-1000 ext 354 or dleahy@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Syndromic Surveillance

This report details trends in emergency department visits for respiratory, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as local institutional outbreaks and school absenteeism. Find the most recent report here .
COURSES for Health Care Providers
Aboriginal Relationship and Cultural Competency Courses
These 13 Aboriginal Relationship and Cultural Competency courses are designed to empower those working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with the knowledge needed to provide culturally appropriate, person-centred care. The information is relevant to all Canadians, as the courses promote greater awareness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis history, culture and the health landscape. Click here to learn more.
For Your Patients
Quit Smoking Programs
Choose to be …Smoke Free , is a FREE tobacco cessation support program for individuals , that combines behavioural counselling and access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), made possible with funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.  

Appointments are available until March 31, 2018 on:
  • Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Call 705-743-1000, ext. 330 to book an appointment.
Find the complete, printable version of this issue and past editions of the FYI Newsletter
on the Health Care Professionals section of our website .