COVID-19 Updates - Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA)

COVID-19 (January 10, 2025)

On January 10, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI expert opinion.

Following a thorough review of the evidence, NACI has issued the following recommendations, applicable throughout 2025 and extending into the summer of 2026:

NACI recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease, which includes the following individuals:
- All adults 65 years of age or older
- Those 6 months of age and older who are:
  - Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings;
  - Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs;
  - Pregnant women and individuals who are pregnant;
  - Individuals in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
  - Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities; and
  - Health care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings.
- NACI recommends that all other previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (6 months of age and older) who are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease (i.e., not listed above) may receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

For those previously vaccinated, most are recommended to receive only one dose per year. However, some populations are recommended to also receive a second annual dose to mitigate the waning protection from COVID-19 vaccines.

The following individuals who were previously vaccinated and are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease should receive a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year:
- Adults 80 years of age or older;
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors; and
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
Previously vaccinated adults 65 to 79 years of age who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease may receive a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year.

To learn more, visit:

COVID-19 (May 3, 2024)

Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines during the fall of 2024.

NACI recommends the following for the use of the most recently updated COVID-19 vaccines beginning in 2024 fall:

COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease as follows:
- All adults 65 years of age or older
- Those six months of age and older who are:
  - Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings
  - Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs
  - Individuals who are pregnant
  - Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
  - Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
  - People who provide essential community services
All other previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (six months of age and older) who are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease (i.e., not on the list above) may receive the most recently updated vaccine in the fall of 2024.
- For previously vaccinated individuals, the recommended interval is six months from the last COVID-19 dose, with a minimum interval of 3 months from the last dose. This minimum interval will ensure that those who receive a spring 2024 dose (i.e., those at increased risk for severe disease) will be eligible again for an updated fall 2024 vaccine when it becomes available.

For the complete statement, including supporting evidence and rationale, please see NACI’s Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines during the fall of 2024.

To learn more, visit:

COVID-19 (January 12, 2024)

Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) Guidance on an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccines in the spring of 2024 for individuals at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI expert opinion.

NACI recommends:

Starting in the spring of 2024, the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may receive an additional dose of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to underlying conditions or treatment)

To learn more, visit:

COVID-19 (October 27, 2023)

NACI: Updated guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals who have not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19

Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) updated guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals who have not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Going forward, XBB.1.5 vaccines are the recommended products for those previously unvaccinated and previously vaccinated.

For primary series COVID-19 vaccine in those who were not previously vaccinated, NACI recommends:

Children 6 months to under 5 years of age who are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and other children in this age group may be vaccinated;
Those 5 years of age and over should be vaccinated against COVID-19.

For those previously not vaccinated, NACI’s recommended schedule is outlined in the latest NACI Statement.

For those previously vaccinated but who did not receive an XBB.1.5 vaccine, a dose of XBB.1.5 is recommended 6 months following previous vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later). Shorter intervals (i.e., 3 months to less than 6 months) following previous vaccination or infection have also not been shown to pose a safety risk.

The NACI Statement also provides guidance for those who started a primary series with earlier (non-XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccines but did not complete the series.

To learn more, visit:

COVID-19 (September 28, 2023)

Health Canada authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant

Today, Health Canada has authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant for individuals six months of age and older.

As per the product label, the vaccine is authorized as a one-dose vaccine for individuals five years of age and older, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination history. Infants and children between six months and less than five years of age who have not previously received a complete COVID-19 primary series should receive three doses. If they have completed a primary series, they should receive one dose.

On September 12, Health Canada authorized Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant,

Canada will have an ample supply of the new formulation of mRNA vaccines available in fall 2023.

Read more here:

CAMH study confirms ongoing brain inflammation associated with long COVID

COVID-19 (March 3, 2023)

On March 3, 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released Guidance on an additional COVID-19 booster dose in the spring of 2023 for individuals at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). This guidance is based on current evidence, vaccine principles and NACI expert opinion.

According to NACI’s recommendations, starting in the spring of 2023, an additional booster dose may be offered six or more months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or infection to the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19: (Discretionary NACI recommendation)

Adults 80 years of age and older.
Adults 65 to 79 years of age, particularly if they do not have a known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors or those with complex medical care needs.
Adults 18 years of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or treatment.

Spring 2023 COVID-19 booster dose recommendations focus on populations at increased risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death. To learn more details about the recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (January 20, 2023)

On January 20, 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released Guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

NACI continues to recommend COVID-19 booster doses as follows:

At least one booster dose should be offered to all adults 18 years of age and over and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age who are at increased risk of severe illness. (Strong NACI recommendation). This recommendation predates guidance issued in the fall of 2022. The individuals identified above who have not yet received any booster dose should receive one.
All adults 65 years of age and older and individuals 5 to 64 years of age who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should have received a booster dose since the start of fall 2022. For individuals who have not yet received a fall 2022 booster, it should be offered, as per the recommended interval. (Strong NACI recommendation).
Individuals 5 to 64 years of age without risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19 may have been offered a booster dose since the start of fall 2022. Individuals who have not yet received a fall 2022 booster may still be offered one, as per the recommended interval. (Discretionary NACI recommendation).
Bivalent Omicron-containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the preferred booster products for all individuals 5 years of age and over.

To learn more details about the recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (December 9, 2022)

Updated recommendations on the use of a COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in children five to eleven years of age

On December 9, 2022, Health Canada authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty BA.4/5 Bivalent (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in children 5 to 11 years of age, following the authorization on October 7, 2022, of the Pfizer-BioNTech BA.4/5 Bivalent (30 mcg) as a booster dose in individuals ≥12 years of age. This is the only bivalent COVID-19 vaccine authorized for this age group at this time.

The authorization of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age is supported by safety and immunogenicity data from the companies’ original COVID-19 vaccine, data from the companies’ 30-µg Omicron BA.1-adapted bivalent vaccine, manufacturing data from the companies’ 10-µg Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine, and non-clinical and clinical data from the companies’ 30-µg Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine.

On the same day, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in children 5 to 11 years of age and concurrent COVID-19 vaccines administration.

Recommendations on the use of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in children five to eleven years of age:

Children five to eleven years of age who have an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, including children who are immunocompromised, should be offered a Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least six months after completion of a primary series or SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Strong NACI recommendation)
All other children five to eleven years of age may be offered a Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least six months after completion of a primary series or SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Discretionary NACI recommendation)

To learn more details about the authorization of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine and the updated recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (November 3, 2022)

Recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax BA.4/5 bivalent mRNA (50 mcg) COVID-19 booster vaccine in adults

On November 3, 2022, Health Canada authorized the use of the Moderna Spikevax 50 mcg BA.4/5 bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older.

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to recommend bivalent Omicron-containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are the preferred booster products for the authorized age groups. (Strong NACI recommendation)

Going forward, any of the bivalent Omicron-containing mRNA boosters are preferred over the original formulation boosters for authorized age groups (18 years of age and older for Moderna bivalent vaccines and 12 years of age and older for Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines).

To learn more details about the recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (October 21, 2022)

Recommendations on the use of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (3 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 4 years of age

On October 21, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 (3 mcg) vaccine for children six months to five years of age. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI expert opinion.

Health Canada has authorized two COVID-19 vaccines for children under five years of age:

The Moderna Spikevax mRNA (25 mcg) vaccine was authorized on July 14, 2022, for use as a 2-dose primary series in children six months to five years of age. NACI released guidance on the use of this vaccine on July 14, 2022.
The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA (3 mcg) vaccine was authorized on September 9, 2022, for use as a 3-dose primary series in children six months to four years of age.

To learn more details about the recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (October 7, 2022)

Updated NACI guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

On October 7, 2022, Health Canada authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty BA.4/5 Bivalent (30 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in individuals ≥12 years of age. The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty BA.4/5 Bivalent (30 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine is the second bivalent Omicron-containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Canada.

On October 7, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada. This guidance is specific to the 2022 fall booster programs, which aim to provide protection throughout the fall and winter seasons.

To learn more about Comirnaty BA.4/5 Bivalent, read the complete updated guidance and related resources, visit:

COVID-19 (September 12, 2022)

Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Dose

The Ontario government is offering the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose to all Ontarians aged 18 and over, beginning with the most vulnerable populations.

Starting today, September 12, at 8:00 a.m., bivalent COVID-19 booster appointments will be available to and can be booked for the most vulnerable populations, including:

individuals aged 70 and over;
residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services;
First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over;
pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and
health care workers aged 18 and over.

Appointments can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900. Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating health care providers and participating pharmacies. Pregnant individuals and health care workers booking from September 12 to 25 must call the PVCC or book booster dose appointments through participating pharmacies.

To learn more, visit:

Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Dose

Health Canada warns about hand sanitizers that may pose health risks

On September 12, 2022, Health Canada issued a list of hand sanitizers such as Zero Tolerance Plus Sanitizer, Davey’s Hand Sanitizer, Nomad Hand Sanitizer Lavender, etc., that may pose health risks and are subject to recall. Health Canada encourages the public to review and check regularly for updates.

For more information, including what Canadians should do, visit recalls and safety alerts.

Resources:

COVID-19 (September 9, 2022)

On September 9, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In this updated guidance, NACI reaffirms the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding and continues to strongly recommend that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should receive a primary series of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. NACI also reiterates its existing recommendations for booster doses in these populations.

For the complete statement, including supporting evidence and rationale, please read NACI Statement: Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For information on the interim fall booster planning considerations, the use of bivalent Omicron-containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as booster doses, and the NACI’s recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, visit the following resources:

COVID-19 (August 31, 2022)

Release of Addendum: Guidelines for Pandemic Stockpile Use

The Ministry of Health has released an addendum to the COVID-19 Guidance: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Health Care Workers and Entities. The new Addendum: Guidelines for Pandemic Stockpile Use includes an Ethical Allocation Framework identifying criteria to help determine priority for available PPE supply in the event of scarcity during a COVID-19 response. It also provides information and guidelines for health care providers and entities on stockpiling, inventory management practices, and accessing needed PPE from the emergency stockpile.

All the Ministry COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector can be found here:

https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/2019_guidance.aspx

COVID-19 (August 19, 2022)

NACI’s recommendations on the use of a first booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on August 19 regarding the use of a first booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI’s expert opinion.

For children 5 to 11 years of age who have an underlying medical condition places them at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, including children who are immunocompromised, NACI recommends that a first booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine should be offered at least 6 months after completion of a primary series. (Strong NACI recommendation)
For all other children 5 to 11 years of age, NACI recommends a first booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine may be offered at least six months after completion of a primary series in the context of heightened epidemiological risk. (Discretionary NACI recommendation)

To learn more about the recommendations, visit:

COVID-19 (July 21, 2022)

COVID-19 paid sick days extended to March 31, 2023

The Ontario government extended paid sick days from July 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023, to ensure workers do not lose pay if they miss work due to COVID-19.

Eligible workers will continue to receive up to $200 a day for up to three days if they need to get tested, vaccinated, receive booster shots, self-isolate, or care for a family member who is ill from COVID-19. The government will continue to reimburse eligible employers for the paid leave days.

To learn more about Ontario COVID-19 worker income protection benefit, visit

Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit

COVID-19 vaccine bookings to open for children aged six months to under five years

Starting July 28, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five will be able to book appointments for the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).

The appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their booking system, participating primary care providers and pediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.

To learn more about it, visit:

COVID-19 vaccine bookings to open for children aged six months to under five years

COVID-19 (July 14, 2022)

As the nation braces for the seventh wave of COVID-19, Health Canada has issued an Interim Order authorization for the Sal6830 SARS-CoV-2 Saliva Testing System, to provide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results at the point of care in under 30 minutes.

This testing system, developed by MicroGEMl, is the first PCR saliva test authorized by Health Canada for SARS-CoV-2 for use at the point of care.

To read more, visit:

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/as-nation-braces-for-seventh-wave-of-covid-health-canada-authorizes-world-s-first-saliva-point-of-care-pcr-test-to-quickly-detect-sars-cov-2-868694666.html

COVID-19 (July 11, 2022)

Health Canada warns that hand sanitizers such as Davey’s Hand Sanitizer, Nomad Hand Sanitizer Jasmine, etc., may pose health risks. It provides a list of hand sanitizers subject to a recall and encourages Canadians to review and check regularly for updates. For more information, including what Canadians should do, visit Recalls and safety alerts.

Resources:

COVID-19 (May 20, 2022)

A recent study conducted by Toronto researchers shows that about 30% of Canadian adults were infected during the Omicron variant wave in 2022, compared with 10% who had been infected in the previous four waves, and that Canadian adults with three vaccine doses and a past infection from COVID-19 had the highest protection.

“The incidence of Omicron variants, which rose worldwide from December 2021 even among vaccinated people, is poorly understood. This study quantifies SARS-CoV-2 incidence during the initial Omicron wave among Canadian adults, and the contribution of prior infection and vaccination to age-specific active immunity,” said Dr. Prabhat Jha, principal investigator of the Action to Beat Coronavirus (Ab-C) study and director of the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael’s Hospital of Unity Health Toronto.

This study analyzed more than 5,000 blood samples of Canadian adults from January 15 to March 15, 2022. The study results revealed that an estimated 9 million of 29.7 million Canadian adults were newly infected during the Omicron wave. Of those infections, one million were among the 2.3 million unvaccinated adults in the country, representing 40 percent of all unvaccinated adults.

To read more about the research, visit:

COVID-19 (May 11, 2022)

The Ontario Ministry of Health issued COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Recommendations Version 8.1 on May 2, 2022. It highlights updates to the Recommended COVID-19 Vaccine Products and that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who received a 3-dose primary series are eligible for a second booster dose if they fall into one of the specified groups (such as residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and older adults living in other congregate settings providing assistance with bathing, hygiene, ambulation, etc.).

Protection after a primary COVID-19 vaccine series decreases over time, especially against the Omicron variant of concern, while COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help to increase protection against symptomatic infection and severe outcomes. Ministry of Health also issued the Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses Version 2.0 on May 2, 2022, to provide a guideline to help you identify if you are up to date with your covid-19 vaccines.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued COVID-19 Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (May 3, 2022). The goal of this Directive #3 is to minimize the potential risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario in all long-term care homes (LTCHs) and retirement homes (RHs), and to balance mitigating measures with the need to protect the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of residents for their quality of life. Click here to read more.

COVID-19 (April 22, 2022)

The Chief Medical Officer of Health extends the provincial masking requirements, which were set to expire on April 27, 2022, to June 11, 2022, in select higher-risk indoor settings including health care.

In addition to continuing masking in high-risk settings, the Ontario government is trying to use every tool available to protect hospital capacity and ensure Ontario can stay open such as expanding eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and expanding access to antiviral treatments. (News Release, April 22, 2022)

Provincial COVID-19 Testing and Isolation Information Phone Line

The ministry has launched a new toll-free line as an additional resource to help answer questions from the public regarding evolving COVID-19 testing and isolation guidance. The phone number is 1.888.777.0730, and hours are 8 am – 6 pm, Monday to Sunday.

Evusheld

Health Canada has authorized Evusheld for preventing COVID-19 in select adults and children after a thorough and independent scientific review. It is intended for patients who are immune-compromised or for whom COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended. Evusheld is expected to retain neutralizing activity against Omicron subvariant BA.2, which is now the dominant variant in many communities in Canada. According to the Government News Release (April 22, 2022), Evusheld will be available to individuals with the highest-risk of a severe outcome from COVID-19 in the coming weeks.

Sotrovimab

It is unlikely Sotrovimab, 500 mg IV can maintain efficacy against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant. However, current data indicate Sotrovimab continues to be effective against the Omicron BA.1 and BA.1.1 subvariants. Read the whole report Sotrovimab for Injection – Risk of Treatment Failure due to Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 Subvariant (April 14, 2022).

Note: Sotrovimab was discussed in Episode 57 of Conversations with Dr. Glogauer and Kim Ivan, prior to BA.2, but it was known then that circulating variant may impact effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies such as Sotrovimab).

Ontario’s Plan to Stay Open

A Plan to Stay Open (April 14, 2022) is the next step in the government’s ongoing efforts to build a more robust, more resilient health system. Items of interest may include:

Reducing registration barriers for foreign-credentialed health professionals
Building a strong life sciences sector that improves patient outcomes (e.g., local vaccine production, etc.)
Ensuring a long-term, transparent stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Better preparation for emergencies

ODHA is following the pandemic closely, and continues to participate in the Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre’s updates.

For the most current provincial updates, click here.

Updates from Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table

Therapeutic Management of Residents of Long-term Care Homes with COVID-19 (April 22, 2022)
Update on COVID-19 Projections (April 14, 2022)
Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Recommended Drugs and Biologics in Adult Patients with COVID-19 (April 1, 2022)
COVID-19 projections (February 8, 2022)
Use of Rapid Antigen Tests during the Omicron Wave (February 10, 2022)
Supporting Long-term Care Home Residents during Omicron (February 10, 2022)

Updates from Public Health Ontario

COVID-19 Omicron Variant Sub-lineage BA.2: Evidence and Risk Assessment (April 5, 2022)
Impact of Vaccination on Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) – What We Know So Far (April 6, 2022)
Omicron Disease Severity – What We Know So Far (March 2022)
COVID-19 Omicron Variant Sub-lineage BA.2: Available Evidence and Risk Assessment, published January 31, 2022
Omicron in Ontario: Risk Analysis for Approaching Public Health Measures in Winter 2022, published January 31, 2022
COVID-19 Variant of Concern Omicron (B.1.1.529): Risk Assessment, updated January 26, 2022
What to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19

Updates from Ontario Health

Updates from Government of Ontario

COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener ( April 14, 2022)
A Plan to Stay Open (April 14, 2022)
Ontario Passes Landmark Legislation to Keep Ontario Open (April 14, 2022)
COVID-19 antiviral treatment – learn about COVID-19 antiviral treatments, who is eligible and how to get treatment.
Ontario Expanding Access to COVID-19 Antivirals – Province also increasing public access to PCR testing to more high-risk individuals (April 11, 2022)

Updates from Ministry of Health

COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance, V. 15.0, April 11, 2022
Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario, April 11, 2022, version 14.0
COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose and Booster Recommendations, Version 8.0, April 6, 2022
COVID-19 Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated outside of Ontario/Canada V. 4.0, March 24, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, Version 4.0, March 24, 2022
Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses
Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated outside of Ontario/Canada (updated March 24, 2022)
Vaccine Information Sheet (age 12+) (updated February 22, 2022)
Vaccine Information Sheet for Children (age 5-11) (updated February 22, 2022)
COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations (updated February 17, 2022)
COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge (updated February 3, 2022)

Government of Canada

Health Canada authorizes Evusheld for the prevention of COVID (April 14, 2022)
Sotrovimab for Injection – Risk of Treatment Failure due to Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 Subvariant (April 14, 2022)
COVID-19 vaccines and treatments portal – EVUSHELD (April 14, 2022)

NACI Recommendations

Updated guidance on a first booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada(April 12, 2022)
Summary of NACI statement of April 12, 2022 (April 12, 2022)
Initial guidance on a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada(April 5, 2022)
Summary of NACI statement of April 5, 2022
Recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 to 11 years of age (March 17, 2022)
Summary of NACI statement of March 17, 2022

FREE N95 Respirator program
Ontario dental hygienists continue to have access to free N95 respirators through the successful partnership between ODHA and the Ontario government. The initiative is available only through ODHA for dental hygienists in independent practice.

To access this program, dental hygienists in independent practice must call ODHA to confirm eligibility; call 1.800.315.6342.

Dental hygienists working in a dental practice have access to free N95 masks through orders made by their employer through the Ontario Dental Association. Dentist employers who are members of the ODA can order free N95 masks and antigen rapid tests here.

View the full program details here.

Workplace safety
Staying safe in practice takes more than following infection prevention and control guidelines when treating clients. Follow Public Health Ontario guidance in the workplace, including maintaining social distance and using face coverings when social distancing is a challenge. It’s equally important to remain vigilant in times before and in-between clients, when interacting with colleagues, and during break periods. It’s during these times, when not focusing on client care, an individual may potentially let their guard down and become vulnerable. ODHA wants you and your workplace to remain safe and healthy.

Government financial assistance
The following programs are available:

Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit will provide $300 a week to workers should they be unable to work due to a local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.

COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit provides employees with up to three days of paid leave for reasons related to COVID-19. Extended until July 31, 2022.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit providing $500 per week for up to two weeks for Canadians who are sick or in self-isolation due to COVID-19. Extended until May 7, 2022.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (Extended until May 7, 2022) providing $500 per week for no more than 44 weeks when someone is forced to remain at home to care for:

a child or family member who is ill or in quarantine, or
a child under 12 or family member normally at school, daycare or a care home that is closed due to COVID-19.

ODHA – We’re Here for You

Service to our members is of paramount importance. ODHA has been providing ongoing email broadcasts on the pandemic and through this dedicated COVID-19 page on the ODHA website. The frequency of page updates is determined by changes in the progress of the pandemic. Resources will be added as information is provided to the ODHA office.

ODHA will continue to keep members updated through email broadcasts (which will also be posted) and current information added to the ODHA website. We encourage you to check the added resources link for new and emerging information. At a time when many will take advantage of the uncertainty, ODHA will continue to provide evidence-informed and balanced advice and information.

We continue to encourage you to use your member benefit Legal-Line for FREE legal advice.

COVID-19/Monkeypox email updates
View all ODHA member COVID-19/Monkeypox email updates here.

COVID-19 Additional Resources

January 11, 2025 at 7:37 am

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covid, covid updates, covid-19