Respiratory Infection Resources

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Respiratory infection resources for 2024/25

Find public health guidance, webinars and other tools to support primary care providers during the fall and winter respiratory illness season.

Memos and operational direction

On Nov. 13, Ontario Health released a summary of updates and guidance as well as information on provincial and regional programs that can support care during respiratory illness season. Available to download in English and French.

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Ontario Respriatory Virus Tool

This online tool provides epidemiological information on respiratory virus activity in Ontario, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses. Monitor respiratory virus data including case trends, outcomes, laboratory testing and outbreaks.

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Annual respiratory illness update 2024-25

The North York Family Health Team (NYFHT) has prepared an annual update on influenza, pneumococcus, RSV and COVID-19. This resource includes vaccine summaries, dosing cards and guidance on documentation, administration, managing reactions and more.

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Webinar: RSV, COVID-19 and influenza

On November 1, 2024, Ontario Health, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, hosted an information session for primary care to share RSV, COVID-19 and influenza updates for this respiratory illness season.

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Influenza

Select the tabs for information on influenza vaccines, therapeutics and resources to share with patients.

Influenza information for health professionals

Organizations must apply annually to provide vaccines through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP), unless they receive other publicly funded vaccines (excluding the COVID-19 vaccine).

To access the latest public health guidance on vaccines and treatment, please select the button on the right.

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Homebound vaccination program

Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) will be providing influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to homebound patients. *Please note the definition of homebound includes: Those having medical, cognitive or psychosocial needs/conditions that inhibit them from visiting a pharmacy or their primary care provider to receive their influenza vaccination.

To refer a patient, please download and complete the spreadsheet and submit to TPS.

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Where to go for care in North York

North York Toronto Health Partners has developed an information sheet to share with patients and community members to advise them on where to seek the right care at the right time. Available to download in multiple languages.

This resource includes Health 811, 211 Ontario, Healthcare Connect, local walk in clinics in North York for adults and children, seniors' support and how to find local health and social services.

Download

Managing symptoms at home - advice for parents and caregivers

Respiratory viruses

Source: Toronto Public Health

Cough

Source: SickKids

Fever

Source: SickKids

Flu (Influenza)

Source: SickKids

Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)

Source: SickKids

Flu (Influenza)

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Flu

Source: Ontario Ministry of Health

Flu fact sheet

Source: Toronto Public Health

Influenza vaccine

COVID-19

Select the tabs for information on COVID-19 vaccines, testing, therapeutics and resources to share with patients.

COVID-19

Information on select drug therapies for the management of adult patients with COVID-19.

Source: Ontario Health

FAQs on antiviral therapy for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19

Source: Ontario Health

Paxlovid

Assessment and prescription via primary care, select pharmacies and/or UHN Connected Care Hub

Source: UHN Connected Care Hub

Paxlovid prescribing and drug interaction information

Source: HIV Clinic (Immunodeficiency Clinic)

Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid): What prescribers and pharmacists need to know

Source: University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Remdesivir

Paxlovid prescribing and drug interaction information

Source: HIV Clinic (Immunodeficiency Clinic)

Download referral forms to refer to to closest Ontario Health atHome branch for admin

Source: Ontario Health atHome

COVID-19: Vaccines, treatments and testing summary information for family physicians

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To download, please select the button the right.

Availability of COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-25

Find information for health care providers on Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine program for the current respiratory season here. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling, vaccine ordering and local distribution, please email: COVIDVaccineOrder@toronto.ca.

Community pharmacies

Select the link for list of pharmacies providing paediatric (under 5-years-old and under 2-years-old) COVID-19 vaccines across Toronto. Availability may change so clients should call ahead to confirm.

To find a pharmacy, please select the button the right.

Access here

Health care providers

Eligible health care providers enrolled in Toronto Public Health's COVID-19 vaccination program can order vaccines at the link once available.

To order vaccines, please select the button on the right.

Order here

Homebound vaccination program

Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) will be providing influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to homebound patients. Please note the definition of homebound includes: Those having medical, cognitive or psychosocial needs/conditions that inhibit them from visiting a pharmacy or their primary care provider to receive their influenza vaccination.

To refer a patient, please download and complete the spreadsheet and submit to TPS.

Download

Availability of COVID-19 testing for 2024-25

The distribution of free rapid antigen tests to the public is being discontinued and retailers are currently distributing their remaining supply. If your participating retail location is out of stock, another local retailer or your local public health unit may have tests available.

For the latest information from Toronto Public Health on COVID-19 testing, please select here.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

RATs can be ordered via the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supply Portal. The distribution of free RATs will continue to be available for those who are eligible through select healthcare settings (e.g., pharmacies) while supplies last.

Order here

PCR tests

PCR testing is available for select eligible groups (including people eligible for COVID-19 treatments). Please refer eligible groups with COVID symptoms to COVID assessment centres and/or testing locations.

Learn more

Public Health Ontario (PHO) requisition form

Download PHO requisition form for PCR testing in office.

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Where to go for care in North York

North York Toronto Health Partners has developed an information sheet to share with patients and community members to advise them on where to seek the right care at the right time. Available to download in multiple languages.

This resource includes Health 811, 211 Ontario, Healthcare Connect, local walk in clinics in North York for adults and children, seniors' support and how to find local health and social services.

Download

Managing symptoms at home - advice for parents and caregivers

COVID-19: What to do if you have symptoms

Source: Toronto Public Health

Respiratory viruses

Source: Toronto Public Health

Cough

Source: SickKids

Fever

Source: SickKids

COVID-19 Testing

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Select the tabs for information on RSV vaccines and resources to share with patients.

RSV vaccine

Public health guidance

NACI makes the following recommendations for public health decisions:

NACI recommends RSV immunization programs for adults 75 years of age and older, particularly for those who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. (Strong recommendation)

NACI recommends RSV immunization programs for adults 60 years of age and older who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. (Strong recommendation)

For health care providers advising individual clients: NACI recommends that an RSV vaccine may be considered as an individual decision by adults 60 to 74 years of age in consultation with their health care provider. (Discretionary recommendation)

Guidance on vaccination

Toronto provider RSV vaccine order form

To download, please select the button the right.

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Documentation and support materials - Accuro

To download, please select the button the right.

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Documentation and support materials - PSS

To download, please select the button the right.

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Fact sheet for healthcare providers

This resource is intended for healthcare providers to support them in understanding the recent changes associated with the expansion of Ontario’s RSV prevention program for infants and high-risk children. It outlines how the program will affect the care of prenatal, newborn and paediatric patients.

To download, please select the button the right.

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Vaccination - Infants and pregnancy

Webinar on RSV and infants

This webinar was hosted by the North York Family Health Team (NYFHT) Nursing Lead and Pharmacy Lead for the University of Toronto's Department of Family and Community Medicine.

To watch or listen to the recording, please select the button on the right and enter the passcode: b2iPgp+^

Access here

RSV in babies and pregnancy

The North York Family Health Team (NYFHT) has prepared a presentation on preventions, dosing, patient resources and more for RSV in babies and pregnancy.

To download the slides, please select the button on the right.

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Overview of Beyfortus

The North York Family Health Team (NYFHT) has prepared an overview on Beyfortus which includes guidelines for prescribing, vaccine ordering, EMR documentation, information about publicly funded RSV programs and more.

To download the slides, please select the button on the right.

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Dosing schedule - Beyfortus fortifying babies against RSV

To download, please select the button the right.

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Dosing schedule - Abrysvo keeping RSV low in older adults and in pregnancy

To download, please select the button the right.

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Vaccination - Seniors

Arexvy is publicly funded in Ontario for those 60 years and older living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and for some retirement home residents. It is available to purchase from community pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): vaccines in adults 60 years of age and older

Learn more

To learn more, please select the button the right.

Recommendations: Clinical considerations for the co-administration of RSV, COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines among older adults in long-term care facilities

Learn more

To learn more, please select the button the right.

Information on prevention programs

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention programs

Learn more

To learn more, please select the button the right.

Infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program for 2024-25

Download

To learn more, please select the button the right.

Where to go for care in North York

North York Toronto Health Partners has developed an information sheet to share with patients and community members to advise them on where to seek the right care at the right time. Available to download in multiple languages.

This resource includes Health 811, 211 Ontario, Healthcare Connect, local walk in clinics in North York for adults and children, seniors' support and how to find local health and social services.

Download

Fact sheet for parents and expectant parents

This fact sheet is intended for parents, expectant parents and caregivers to support them in learning more about RSV and what preventive measures are available in Ontario to protect their newborns and young children against RSV. Now available in several additional languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Punjabi and Spanish

Download

Managing symptoms at home - advice for parents and caregivers

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (in children)

Source: Ontario Ministry of Health

RSV: vaccines in adults 60 years of age and older

Source: Toronto Public Health

Respiratory viruses

Source: Toronto Public Health

Cough

Source: SickKids

Fever

Source: SickKids

Pneumococcus

Select the tabs for information on pneumococcal vaccines and resources to share with patients.

Dosing schedule and update on Prevnar-20 and Vaxneuvance for IPD

Download

To download, please select the button the right.

Dosing schedule for eligible groups for pneumococcal vaccine

Download

To download, please select the button the right.

Where to go for care in North York

North York Toronto Health Partners has developed an information sheet to share with patients and community members to advise them on where to seek the right care at the right time. Available to download in multiple languages.

This resource includes Health 811, 211 Ontario, Healthcare Connect, local walk in clinics in North York for adults and children, seniors' support and how to find local health and social services.

Download