1) Don't use these N95 masks:
Approval has been withdrawn for N95 masks produced by Guangzhou Weini Technology and Development Co., Ltd (GWT). If you have N95 masks made by this company, it recommended that you not use them.

2) Canadian Immunization Guide: Parts of the Canadian Immunization Guide have been updated. The vaccine-specific chapters are now available on line. The chapters provide a concise review of each vaccine and answer many frequently asked questions.

3) Lots of influenza and norovirus:
We are seeing a lot of influenza activity in the community, with a large number of laboratory-confirmed cases. We are also hearing about quite a bit of norovirus activity. As a result of the influenza and norovirus activity, we are seeing elevated rates of school abseentism in several schools.
Updates on influenza activity can be found on our web site at: www.healthunit.com/influenza-surveillance

4) Vaccine reminders:
a) Adacel-IPV (Tdap-IPV) is being used instead of Quadracel (DTaP-IPV) for the 4-6 year booster. This change is because of a shortage of Quadracel. Adacel-IPV will be substituted for orders of Quadracel.
b) The Human Papillomavirus vaccine, Gardasil, is being offered at high schools to young women who did not take the vaccine in Grade 8. The vaccine can also be ordered in small quantities (less than 10 doses) for administration to eligible young women in health care providers’ offices.

5) Resource to help patients with alcohol risks:
“Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral: Helping Patients Reduce Alcohol-related Risks and Harms” is a resource for health care professionals. This site provides access to evidence-informed guidance and resources to assist you in helping your patients better manage their alcohol consumption. The site was co-created by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

This resource incorporates Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. The tool includes screening and assessment, brief intervention and referral, and follow-up and support protocols, with easy to follow flowcharts. There is also a resource section for both providers and patients.
Please see http://www.sbir-diba.ca for more information.

Bryna