Updates from Ottawa Public Health - March 9, 2023

Routine Vaccinations

The re-emergence of certain vaccine preventable diseases is being seen in parts of the world and is cause for concern. OPH is monitoring the potential emergence of measles, and we are making continued efforts to increase uptake and coverage of routine childhood vaccinations. Thousands of children and youth in Ottawa are missing routine vaccinations that would protect them from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccinations required for attending childcare and school should be kept up to date. Parents and guardians can find out if their child is due for vaccination, and which vaccinations have already been reported to OPH, by visiting our website at ParentingInOttawa/RoutineVaccination. You are encouraged to share our Facebook and Instagram posts.

If you are travelling outside of Canada, ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations at least six weeks before your trip. Visit our Measles webpage for more information.

Parenting in Ottawa Drop-Ins

If you have questions about your baby’s growth and development or want to know if your child is on track, Ottawa Public Health has drop-in locations across the City. You can speak to a Public Health Nurse about infant feeding, social and emotional development, healthy eating, and more. This program is available to expectant parents and parents or guardians of children up to 6 years of age. Check out our new video on Twitter and Facebook. No need for an appointment, but you can find the drop-in calendar here: ParentingInOttawa.ca/dropins

March is Nutrition Month

Ottawa Public Health has a team of Public Health Dietitians, who play a unique role in supporting our communities to thrive. Dietitians use the science of nutrition to help people and communities meet their healthy eating goals. We work with partners to address issues like food insecurity and to create healthier places, where people live, work and play. Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals who apply their expertise in food and nutrition to support individuals and communities to improve their health. The work of Registered Dietitians in public health is to make the healthy choice the easier choice for everyone. Find a dietitian near you!

Respiratory Virus Dashboard

We will continue to post on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Our Respiratory Virus dashboard continues to be updated every Wednesday on our main respiratory virus activity webpage: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport.