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Supporting Healthcare Providers this Respiratory Season

As we enter the 2024/25 flu and respiratory illness season, the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team (MWT-OHT) is committed to equipping healthcare and community workers with the tools and resources needed to protect patients and communities.

Your role is critical in managing the impacts of respiratory illnesses. We encourage you to:

  • Stay Informed: Access real-time data and the latest vaccine guidance to support patient care.

  • Promote Vaccination: Encourage eligible patients to receive their flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.

  • Follow Best Practices: Maintain high standards of infection prevention, including masking and hygiene in clinical settings.

  • Support Vulnerable Populations: Address barriers to care by integrating social determinants of health into your practice.

Need Additional Support?

We encourage our partners to connect with their local Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hubs for expert guidance and resources on managing respiratory illnesses. IPAC Hubs provide tailored infection prevention and control support to help safeguard your teams and communities. IPAC Hubs can also support organizations who are having challenges applying Ministry of Health and Toronto Public Health guidance to their settings. Contact IPACHubs@ontario.ca.

MWT-OHT Partners are also invited to attend the East Toronto Health Partners monthly IPAC information session. If further assistance or interpretation is required, the MWT-OHT partners should contact the Secretariat with your unanswered questions at info@midwesttorontooht.ca.

Resources and Tools

Clinical Updates and Vaccine Guidance

Toronto Public Health Physician e-Newsletter

Stay updated on vaccination services, including the 2024-2025 Homebound Vaccination Referral Template and RSV vaccine ordering guidelines.

Ontario Ministry of Health COVID Vaccine Fact Sheet

Guidance for healthcare providers on vaccination schedules, prioritization, and vaccine safety.

Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Program Letter

Key information on the 2024/25 COVID-19 vaccine program, including vaccine options, co-administration with other vaccines, and distribution details.

2024-2025
Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet

Comprehensive details on flu vaccine recommendations for all age groups, including seniors and pregnant individuals, and guidance on booking.

RSV Information for Health Professionals

Access up-to-date guidance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), including clinical management, prevention strategies, and reporting requirements. This resource supports healthcare professionals in protecting patients during RSV season.

Preparedness and Planning Resources

Fall/Winter 2024/25 Preparedness Assumptions

An overview of system readiness measures, including vaccine rollout, PPE access, and testing protocols.

Respiratory Tabletop Planning Exercise

Strengthen coordination and preparedness for the respiratory season while addressing impacts on vulnerable populations.

Data and Monitoring Tools

Integrated Respiratory Diseases Dashboard

Access real-time data on respiratory illnesses, institutional outbreaks, and wastewater surveillance for Toronto

Resource Guide: Social Determinants of Health Framework

Support care planning with tools to address social needs like housing, food, and social connections to reduce health inequities.

Community and Patient-Focused Resources

South Asian Health Network COVID Resources

COVID-19 resources tailored for the South Asian community, available in multiple languages.

COVID-19 Testing Locations

Find PCR or rapid antigen testing locations by postal code or city, with service details and eligibility criteria.