FEDERAL

Aug 3: The federal government is providing nearly $1 million to the Manitoba Pork Council to help the industry prepare for the possibility that African swine fever will enter Canada. The Council will use the money to bolster efforts to control wild pigs, develop a response plan and promote industry awareness and adoption of infection control best practices.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace.

ALBERTA

Oct 10: Alberta kicked off its fall immunization program. Eligible residents can now book an appointment to receive free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at an Alberta Health Services clinic or pharmacy in the province. The first appointments will take place on Oct. 16.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Sep 18: The federal government will provide $1.81 million over the next 3 years to help the British Columbia Poultry Association prepare the province’s commercial poultry sector for potential future outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

MANITOBA

Aug 25: Manitoba Health reported the year’s first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus—a person in their 40s living in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority who is now in the hospital. Three other possible cases are under investigation. There were 7 confirmed cases of WNV in Manitoba in 2022, five of which required hospitalization.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

Sep 19: With flu season approaching, Manitoba began providing regular updates on the respiratory viruses expected to circulate in the province over the coming months, along with guidance on measures residents can take to safeguard themselves from infection.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

Oct 3: Nova Scotia residents aged 65 and older will soon be able to get the high-dose influenza vaccine for free at a local pharmacy or medical clinic. Free regular-dose flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines will also be available to those between the ages of 6 months and 64.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Aug 10: The WCB published a new guide to help employers develop and implement a plan to prevent infections and communicable diseases in the workplace.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

QUÉBEC

Oct 10: Québec launched its free COVID-19 and influenza vaccination program for the general population. Vaccines in senior homes and other residential settings with vulnerable populations began on October 2.

SASKATCHEWAN

Oct 10: Saskatchewan began providing free flu and COVID-19 shots at public health clinics, pharmacies, and certain physician and nurse practitioner offices across the province. Residents can make an appointment to receive both vaccines at the same time.

Action Point: Use the OHSI Infection Exposure Control Plan template to prevent infectious illnesses at your workplace

YUKON TERRITORY

Sep 28: Mirroring global health trends, syphilis is on the rise in Yukon. Last year, case rates for the disease in the territory were the highest since 1979. Congenital syphilis, which occurs when a pregnant person passes the infection on to her child is also increasing, with at least one confirmed case in Yukon recorded so far this year.