Every influenza season places older adults at significantly higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, pneumonia, and death. Adults aged 65 years and older experience a natural decline in immune responsiveness—known as immunosenescence—which reduces the effectiveness of standard influenza vaccines.
Canada has set an ambitious goal: eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. Medically, this goal is achievable. Practically, we are falling behind.
A new national report presented in Ottawa warns that Canada is not on track to meet its target. Cervical cancer is now one of the fastest-growing cancers in the country — despite being almost entirely preventable.
National Immunization Week runs April 26 to May 2 this year. At Orleans Family Health Clinic, it’s a moment we take seriously. Not as a formality, but as a genuine reminder of why preventive medicine matters to our patients and our community.
Shingles is one of those conditions that most Canadians have heard of but few think will happen to them. The reality is different: approximately 1 in 3 Canadians will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk increases meaningfully with age. For adults over 50, shingles is not a remote possibility — it is a genuine and preventable health risk that belongs in a conversation with your family physician.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has issued new guidance that every patient with cardiovascular disease should hear: vaccines are an essential part of heart health.
The five recommended vaccines for adults with heart disease are:
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When most people think of vaccines, they think of childhood. But staying up to date with adult immunizations is just as important — not only for your health but for your community.
Vaccines don’t stop at childhood. If you live in Ottawa or Orleans, it’s time to check in on your immunizations. Vaccines don’t just protect you, they stop the spread of disease. Keeping up to date on your vaccinations as you grow older not only protects you, but protects the most vulnerable in your community.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has announced that it will resume suspensions for students with outdated vaccination records after a two-year break. This enforcement targets students born in 2007 and 2017, who may face suspensions of up to 20 days if their immunization records are not updated.
A recent report presented to the Ottawa Board of Health highlights that approximately 14,500 students—nearly two-thirds of children in these age groups—are behind on their immunization schedules. OPH will begin sending notices to families in December, advising them on how to update their records and ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations. If these records are not corrected, suspension notices will follow in the new year.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 17% of Ottawa students started the school year with overdue records, with that number dropping to 5% by year’s end due to reminders and public health interventions. In stark contrast, 66% of students aged 7 and 17 were found to have overdue records last year, and despite increased efforts, that number only fell to 38% by the end of the school year.
Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, explained the importance of maintaining updated vaccination records. “Accurate immunization records are essential for identifying children at risk during potential outbreaks,” she said. “Our goal with immunization surveillance is to maintain population-level coverage rates that protect individuals and the broader school communities.”
According to Ontario’s immunization requirements, all students must be vaccinated against several serious diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and tetanus. These vaccinations are crucial for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization record and ensure it is current. If you need to update your child’s vaccinations, Orleans Family Health Clinic is here to help. Make an appointment with one of our physicians to catch up on required vaccinations and discuss other highly recommended immunizations that may not be mandatory for school attendance but are equally important for your child’s long-term health.
By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your child is fully protected and compliant with Ontario’s public health guidelines.
Disclaimer
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer
The U.S. approved the first vaccine for RSV on Wednesday, shots to protect older adults against a respiratory virus that’s most notorious for attacking babies but endangers their grandparents, too.
The Food and Drug Administration decision makes GSK’s shot, called Arexv
y, the first of several potential vaccines in the pipeline for RSV to be licensed anywhere.
The move sets the stage for adults 60 and older to get vaccinated this fall — but first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide if every senior really needs RSV protection or only those considered at high risk from the respiratory syncytial virus. CDC’s advisers will debate that question in June.
