Vaccination opportunities: December, 2023 - Public Health Sudbury & Districts

Issued: Thursday, November 30, 2023

COVID-19 vaccination

Public Health Sudbury & Districts continues to offer the updated XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccines throughout the month of December. The XBB-containing formulations better protect you against the Omicron XBB subvariant circulating across our communities. See all Public Health clinic opportunities at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. In the month of December, appointments and walk-in vaccination opportunities remain available.

Please note, that beginning in January 2024, Public Health Sudbury & Districts will no longer issue monthly COVID-19 vaccine clinic public service announcements, but will continue to post and promote vaccination opportunities on our website and our social media. Information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment will be shared in January. This approach is intended to align COVID-19 vaccination efforts with other routine vaccination programs, such as measles, rubella, and tetanus. Learn more about immunizations, including how to book appointments.

Additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may also be available through select primary care providers and at participating pharmacies. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

As we approach that time of year when we begin to see rising numbers of respiratory illnesses, Public Health Sudbury & Districts continues to recommend that you stay up to date with your respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza, to build long-term protection against severe disease and hospitalization.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts provides information about local activity levels of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public Health also reports data for active outbreaks in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. This information is specific to hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and congregate living settings.

Seasonal flu vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine is available at many locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Those receiving a COVID-19 dose at public health clinics will be able to receive a flu shot at the same time until December 22, 2023. Visit us online for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times, locations, and eligible groups at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. Opportunities to access the seasonal flu vaccine may differ throughout our service area each week. If you do not find a clinic in your area, please contact Public Health for more information. High-dose flu vaccine is not available through local Public Health clinics.

Getting a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available is important, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity. Individuals aged 6 months and older can safely get the seasonal flu vaccine immediately before or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination opportunities for December 2023

Public Health may occasionally need to cancel clinics due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather events that impact clinic operations. In the event a clinic is cancelled, all clients with a booked appointment will be contacted and will be offered an alternate opportunity. For regular updates, follow us on social media @PublicHealthSD on Facebook and X (formerly called Twitter) and visit us online at phsd.ca.

Friday, December 1

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Southridge Mall, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Monday, December 4

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Centennial Arena and Community Centre, Hanmer
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Tuesday, December 5

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Freshwater Community Church (old Mindemoya Missionary Church), Mindemoya
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Wednesday, December 6

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau office, Chapleau
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Whitefish River First Nation Community Centre, Birch Island
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Thursday, December 7

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Chelmsford Arena and Community Centre, Chelmsford
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).
• Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Killarney
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).
• Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Friday, December 8

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Southridge Mall, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Saturday, December 9

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Southridge Mall, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Monday, December 11

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts main office, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Tuesday, December 12

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Capreol Community Centre and Arena, Capreol
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).
• NEMI Recreation Centre, Little Current
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Wednesday, December 13

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau office, Chapleau
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• McClelland Community Centre and Arena, Copper Cliff
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Thursday, December 14

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Friday, December 15

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Southridge Mall, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Monday, December 18

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Edgar Leclair Community Centre and Arena, Azilda
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Tuesday, December 19

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Manitoulin Island office, Mindemoya
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Wednesday, December 20

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Centennial Community Centre and Arena, Hanmer
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Thursday, December 21

Appointment and walk-in clinics

• Espanola Recreation Complex, Espanola
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older (walk-in only).

Friday, December 22

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, main office, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
  • Flu shots may be available for those 6 months and older who have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Wednesday, December 27

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, main office, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.

Thursday, December 28

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, main office, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.

Friday, December 29

Appointment-only clinics

• Public Health Sudbury & Districts, main office, Sudbury
  • COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.

Book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment

To book online, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For a list of scheduled clinics, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.

Additional opportunities may also be available through select primary care providers or at participating pharmacies. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

Clinic services

Sensory-friendly service (COVID-19)

Sensory-friendly services may be available, as needed.

Vaccine-to-vehicle service (COVID-19)

Vaccine-to-vehicle is a service available at select mass immunization clinics for individuals who are unable to receive their vaccine within a clinic setting for reasons such as sensory sensitivities, decreased mobility, or other health concerns. An immunizer will come outside to the parking lot to provide the vaccine to individuals in their vehicle. Please note that during extreme weather or extreme cold that your appointment may be rebooked to ensure everyone’s safety.

Appointments for sensory-friendly or vaccine-to-vehicle services can only be booked by phone at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays. Booking online for these services is not available.

Questions about vaccination

Learn about the Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

All Public Health clinics offer mRNA vaccine brands. These vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response.  Once triggered, your body makes antibodies which help you fight the infection if the real virus does enter your body in the future.

Examples of mRNA vaccines include Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty. mRNA vaccines remain the recommended vaccine type for COVID-19 and can be used for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated and for those that have received a COVID-19 vaccine previously.

COVID-19 non-mRNA vaccine (Novavax)

Public Health Sudbury & Districts will offer, through an appointment only clinic, the new XBB.1.5-containing non-mRNA vaccine (Novavax) as soon as it is approved by Health Canada. There is no anticipated release date at this time.

Individuals interested in receiving this vaccine are asked to contact Public Health and to be placed on a waiting list. You will be contacted directly when the dedicated clinic will be held.

Eligibility

COVID-19 vaccines

For the 2023 fall respiratory season, the Ontario Ministry of Health, consistent with the National Advisory Committee for Immunizations (NACI), recommends a dose of any XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for individuals in the authorized age group. Visit covid-19-vaccine-eligibility for information on when you should be vaccinated based on the type of vaccine you should receive, your age, your health status, and if you recently had a COVID-19 infection.

Preparing for a vaccination appointment

All vaccination clinics have COVID-safety measures in place. You must not attend a clinic if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are in isolation due to a COVID-19 exposure.

• Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.
• Eat and drink something before you arrive at your appointment to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
• Do not show up until 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• When possible, please limit the number of support people attending a vaccination clinic to one person.
• Dress for the weather, you may have to wait in line if you plan on attending a walk-in clinic.
• Wear a top that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or a T-shirt.
• Wear a medical mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. If you do not have a medical mask, pediatric and adult medical masks will be available at the entrance to the clinic.

For more information or if you have questions, please talk to trusted sources such as Public Health immunizers, health care providers, and pharmacists, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19, or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

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Measles exposure warning issued for Vancouver airport and 2 flights - Global News

People who travelled through the Vancouver International Airport last Thursday are being warned they may have been exposed to measles.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control released a bulletin Wednesday, saying a passenger with measles was in the airport on Nov. 23.

“At YVR, the passenger spent time on the route between the arrival gate D73 at the international terminal and at the departure gate C48  in the domestic terminal, where the ill passenger waited for their next flight,” the BCCDC said.

1:00 Possible consequences for not vaccinating for measles

The passenger was also aboard the following flights in and out of YVR.

• Air Canada Flight 79 departed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates at 2:17 AM local time and arrived in Vancouver at 6:07 AM Pacific Time
• Air Canada flight 206 departed from Vancouver at 10:36 AM Pacific Time and arrived in Calgary, Alberta at 1:06 PM Mountain Time

The passenger later tested positive for measles in Alberta.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can be spread by airborne transmission.

The BCCDC said many people are immune due to vaccination or having contracted it as a child. People who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of one, are at highest risk.

1:22 ‘We are backsliding’ WTO says measles cases nearly triple worldwide

Anyone who was on one of the two flights and was travelling with an unvaccinated infant or who are immunocompromised and not immune to the virus should contact their local public health unit immediately to get post-exposure treatment to minimize risk.

The BCCDC said Wednesday was the last day to receive post-exposure prophylaxis with immunoglobulin to minimize the risk of measles developing.

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People who aren’t immune and were exposed could become infected, the BCCDC said, with symptoms developing within seven and 21 days of exposure — in this case, meaning between Nov. 30 and Dec. 14.

Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash on the face and neck, spreading to the chest, arms and legs.

Anyone who suspects they have measles should call their doctor or clinic before going in to ensure they don’t expose anyone in the waiting room.

A report from the World Health Organization and U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month found measles deaths had spiked globally by 40 per cent last year and cases rose after vaccinations fell to their lowest levels in 15 years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The highly infectious disease triggered epidemics in 37 countries last year, versus 22 countries in 2021. It sickened nine million children and killed 136,00, mostly in poorer countries.

3:01 WHO announces measles spike, calls to vaccinate kids

— With files from the Associated Press.

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&copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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B.C. disease control posts measles alert for Vancouver airport - PAX News

The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control has issued a travel-related health alert, stating that an air passenger with measles travelled through Vancouver International Airport (YVR) recently and that people on certain flights, or at YVR on a specific day, may have been exposed.

“People most at risk for measles are those who are not immunized,” wrote the public health arm for B.C.’s Provincial Health Services Authority on X, formally known as Twitter, on Wednesday (Nov. 29).

The potential exposure to measles on flights, and at Vancouver airport, occurred on Nov. 23, the department said.

At YVR, an ill passenger spent time on their route between the arrival gate D73 at the international terminal and at the departure gate C48 in the domestic terminal, where he or she waited for their next flight.

B.C. disease control says the infected passenger travelled on the following flights to and from YVR:

• Air Canada Flight 79 departed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates at 2:17 AM local time and arrived in Vancouver at 6:07 AM Pacific Time.
• Air Canada flight 206 departed from Vancouver at 10:36 AM Pacific Time and arrived in Calgary, Alberta at 1:06 PM Mountain Time.

The passenger tested positive for measles in Alberta, the agency says.

Public health officials in Alberta issued an alert through the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence on Nov. 28 and posted an advisory online.

Measles is a highly-infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread, says B.C. health.

“Most people will be immune to measles due to prior immunization and others, especially older adults, may have had measles as a child and are immune,” the agency said. “Individuals most at risk from measles are those who are completely unvaccinated against the disease including babies under one year of age.”

Passengers who were on flights on Nov. 23 and were travelling with an unvaccinated infant, or are immunocompromised and not immune to measles, Wednesday (Nov. 29) would have been the last day to receive post-exposure prophylaxis with immunoglobulin to minimize the risk of measles developing.

To get the immunoglobulin, passengers should call their local health unit and ask for the communicable disease nurse, says B.C. disease control.  

To find a public health unit, use the locator on ImmunizeBC.ca.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. A rash will last about four to seven days, said B.C. health.

Those who are not immune and were exposed to the measles virus could get measles, the agency said.

“If infected, you will develop symptoms within seven 7 to 21 days of being exposed,” the agency wrote. “If you were exposed during travel through Vancouver International Airport on November 23, symptoms could develop as early as November 30 and as late as December 14.”

Those that suspect they may have measles are being advised to call their healthcare provider.

People can also call their local health unit and ask for the communicable disease nurse or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. 8-1-1, which is a free-of-charge for provincial health information and advice phone line available in 130 different languages.

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Study: Regular Mammography Screening Reduces Breast Cancer Mortality Risk by More than 70 Percent - Diagnostic Imaging

In a new review of more than 36,000 breast cancer cases over a 24-year period, researchers reaffirmed that regular mammography screening significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer death.

For the study, presented at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago, researchers examined mammography screening participation among 36,079 women in Sweden who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1992 and 2016. The study authors noted that 4,564 of the women studied died from breast cancer.

The researchers found that breast cancer survival rates ranged between 82.7 to 86.9 percent for women who participated in the five most recent mammography screenings prior to breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, women who did not have any of those screenings prior to diagnosis had a survival rate between 59.1 and 77.6 percent, according to the study authors.

Here one can see an abnormal mammogram finding. Breast cancer survival rates ranged between 82.7 to 86.9 percent for women who participated in the five most recent mammography screenings prior to breast cancer diagnosis, according to new research presented at the annual RSNA conference.

In comparison to women with no mammography screening, the researchers emphasized that adherence to the five mammography screenings prior to diagnosis reduced the risk of breast cancer mortality by 72 percent.

“Women who attended all five previous mammography examinations prior to a diagnosis of breast cancer were nearly three times less likely to die from breast cancer compared with women who had not attended any examinations, and each additional examination attended among the five previous examinations conferred an additive protective effect against dying from breast cancer,” said study co-author Robert A. Smith, Ph.D., a senior vice-president and director of the American Cancer Society for Cancer Screening in Atlanta.

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While 73 to 96 percent of those studied had at least one of the five scheduled mammography exams prior to diagnosis, the researchers pointed out the common nature of irregular mammography screening. Only 58 to 73 percent of women in the study participated in five scheduled mammography exams prior to diagnosis, according to Smith and colleagues.

“If a woman unknowingly has breast cancer and misses or postpones her mammogram during this time when she has no symptoms, but her breast cancer is growing and perhaps spreading, then the window for early detection will be lost,” maintained Dr. Smith.

(Editor’s note: For more coverage of the annual RSNA 2023 conference, click here.)

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Hong Kong Looks On Nervously as China Respiratory Illnesses Rise - BNN Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Health authorities in Hong Kong are watching a rise in respiratory illnesses in China closely, urging schools and the general public to take precautions as outbreaks on the mainland, particularly among children, surge. 

A mix of common respiratory pathogens, including mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and influenza, are starting to cause more illness in Guangdong, the Chinese province that borders Hong Kong, after triggering an explosion of diseases in northern China, the official Xinhua News Agency reported earlier this week. Some pediatric wards in China are receiving two or three times the number of patients than before, according to the report. 

As winter flu season descends upon Hong Kong, there are concerns infections in mainland China could spread, considering the hundreds and thousands of residents and travelers who cross the border every day.

Hong Kong’s government on Monday reported an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infections at a primary school in eastern Kowloon. Some 24 students aged from six to 11 developed symptoms starting from early November but all are in a stable condition. The school has been placed under medical surveillance, Hong Kong’s Department of Health said.

The Department of Health said last week that there have been other school outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumoniae and parainfluenza viruses, which again mainly impact young children, and reminded education facilities to stay vigilant.

The department also urged those people with respiratory symptoms to wear masks, refrain from going to work or to school and seek medical advice.

China’s steady increase in child pneumonia cases prompted the World Health Organization to last week ask Beijing for more detailed information about the jump. Officials in China said known germs were causing the outbreak — most commonly mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterial infection that typically leads to mild colds in older children and adults but can cause more serious illness in younger kids.

Taiwan’s government meanwhile on Thursday advised elderly people and young children not to travel to China unless necessary, adding that officials will be on high alert and may adjust related epidemic prevention measures depending on the situation.

©2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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AHS confirms case of measles in Calgary, prompts public alert - CBC.ca

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed that a person with lab-confirmed measles was in public settings in Calgary while infectious, prompting an alert to those who may have been exposed. 

In an e-mailed statement on Tuesday night, the health agency said that individuals who were in the following locations, during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed to measles.

• Nov. 23: Air Canada flight AC206 Vancouver (YVR) to Calgary (YYC). Exposure time period: Duration of flight. Departed Nov. 23 11:20 a.m., and arrived Nov. 23 12:45 p.m. Exposure location: Calgary International Airport, domestic arrivals. Exposure time period: 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Nov. 24.:Alberta Children's Hospital in the emergency department waiting room. Exposure time period: 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Nov. 27: Alberta Children's Hospital in the emergency department waiting room. Exposure time period: 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

AHS said anyone who believe they may have been exposed to measles at these locations are encouraged to review their immunization records and call HealthLink 811 for advice, and monitor themselves for symptoms. 

Those who have less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, or those who were born after 1970 are at risk of developing measles if exposed. 

Some individuals, including those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine, those who are pregnant, under one year of age. or have a weakened immune system, may be eligible to receive medication to prevent measles, said AHS.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts. The rash begins behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body to arms and legs. 

AHS said that measles is extremely contagious and is easily spread through the air. 

There is no treatment for measles. 

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Toronto to permanently close four COVID-19 fixed-site vaccine clinics - Global News

Toronto Public Health says it is permanently closing its four fixed-site vaccination clinics.

As of Dec. 13, TPH will close its four vaccine sites throughout the city: Metro Hall in downtown Toronto; Cloverdale Mall in Etobicoke; North York Civic Centre near Mel Lastman Square; and Progress Avenue near the Scarborough Town Centre.

TPH says these closures signify a transition in Toronto’s COVID-19 response, as provincial funding for emergency pandemic efforts comes to an end.

Vaccines will still be available for Toronto residents through primary health providers and pharmacies, according to TPH.

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“Today is the end of a remarkable era for the City of Toronto, as these vaccination clinics close their doors for the last time. I want to thank every Toronto resident who stepped through the doors across the city to do their part and get vaccinated,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in a media release on Tuesday.

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Mobile primary care clinic in Halifax - Nova Scotia Health Authority

Nova Scotia Health’s mobile primary care clinic has the following upcoming clinic date:

Halifax
2751 Gladstone Street
Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is a temporary service to provide an appropriate primary care setting for an increased number of people with mild or moderate health concerns.

This is not a drop-in clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-410-6672. Phone lines are now open and will remain open until the appointments are filled. The number of appointments each day is limited.

Have your health card and a list of medications ready upon arrival. Care will be provided using a team approach, which includes nurse practitioners and family physicians.

This clinic is not a substitute for your primary care provider (doctor or nurse practitioner). However, there are times when you may not be able to see your primary care provider, or you do not have a primary care provider. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we aim to provide you the best possible care.

The clinic can only address non-urgent, low-acuity health issues and is not an emergency service. See a list of the types of concerns below if you are not sure where to go.

Types of concerns that may be addressed at the mobile primary care clinic include:

• Prescription refills or renewals (except for controlled substances)
• Minor respiratory symptoms
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Fever
• Headache
• Rashes
• Minor gastrointestinal concerns (vomiting and diarrhea)
• Cough, flu, or cold symptoms
• Urinary tract infections
• Muscle pain

Lab and diagnostic imaging requisitions will not be part of this clinic. 

Please note other options for care:

• Nova Scotians can now access VirtualCareNS, which provides free, temporary access to primary health care. Visit www.virtualcarens.ca to register or request a virtual visit. VirtualCareNS is not an emergency service.
• For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24/7 by experienced registered nurses.
• The provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167.
• Additional information and local resources are available through www.YourHealthNS.ca.

We will keep communities updated as future dates and additional community locations are determined or if there are changes to the current schedule. Additional information can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/mobileprimarycareclinics.

Do you have a COVID-19 symptom? Get tested right away! Early detection is key when it comes to being considered for COVID-19 medication. Please complete the Report and Support form when you book a PCR test or have a positive rapid test. 

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Recipe for success: Increased collaboration - Hamilton Health Sciences

By volunteering to partner with our research community to try new treatment regimens, medications and lifestyle routines, our HHS McMaster Children’s Hospital patients and families are key partners in leading-edge research. Stock photo

Imagine trying to bake a cake with no ingredients. Impossible, right?

The same holds true for health-care research, where patients who volunteer for clinical trials are the essential ingredient for researchers focused on developing new and improved treatments.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is a top research hospital in Canada, and thousands of our patients have participated in clinical trials over the years including pregnant patients, children and their families at our McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).

By partnering with our research community to try new treatment regimens, medications and lifestyle routines, these MCH patients and families are key partners in leading-edge research aimed at improving health outcomes and quality of life for people locally, nationally and globally.

Our research community

Bruce Squires, President of HHS McMaster Children’s Hospital

Our researchers are from HHS, McMaster University and local research institutes including the Offord Centre for Child Studies which is affiliated with MCH and McMaster University; McMaster-based CanChild, focusing on children and youth with disabilities and their families; and the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research at McMaster.

“We have nationally and internationally recognized experts in our local research community,” says MCH President Bruce Squires.

 Our patients and their families typically find out about opportunities to participate in clinical trials from their HHS physician or other hospital health-care provider, who learn about these studies through the research community.

A vision for the future

Dr. Marc Jeschke, HHS Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer.

Hamilton Health Sciences is a world leader in advancing and creating new knowledge through research activities that span the full spectrum of human health from neo-natal to older adults.

“But we can contribute even further to the research world through increased collaboration among our research community,” says HHS Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Marc Jeschke.

Benefits to patients and the research community

Increased collaboration also creates better awareness of clinical trial options, with new and potentially better treatments.

“Research is one of the major benefits to patients receiving care at an academic health sciences centre like HHS,” says Squires. “Our patients have opportunities to participate in leading-edge clinical trials in hopes of improving their health as well as the health of people locally, nationally and internationally.”

The better our research community becomes at collaborating, the more impactful and well-known our research will become, adds Jeschke. “This, in turn, will help attract even more of the best researchers, scientists, educators and health-care providers in the world to Hamilton – all focused on improving the health and quality of life for patients locally as well as globally.”

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Official flu season declaration imminent: PHAC - CTV News

The official start to the flu season is set to arrive any day now, according to federal health authorities.

The latest data on influenza trends found that the rate of positive cases was 6.8 per cent, which is higher than the seasonal threshold of five per cent positivity.

“If percent positivity remains above this threshold next week, the start of the influenza season will be declared at the national level,” states the latest FluWatch report from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The report, released early last week, looked specifically at the rate of influenza circulating in the community for week 46 of 2023, Nov. 12 to Nov. 18. During that week, a total of 1,849 laboratory detections of influenza were reported to PHAC, with the vast majority of them being cases of influenza A.

Between the end of August and Nov. 18, a total of 51 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza have been reported, with 10 of these reported in the most recent week of data alone.

In that same 11-week time period, there were 332 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported across Canada by participating provinces and territories, with 46 per cent of these hospitalizations being among adults aged 65 years or older. There have been 11 influenza-associated deaths reported since the end of August.

The 51 outbreaks of influenza were all driven by influenza A, although one outbreak was mixed with cases of the less common influenza B. Of the 51 outbreaks, 32 took place in long-term care facilities.

Another sign that the official flu season is just around the corner is that the number of regions reporting influenza activity is increasing, both in number and in intensity of the activity.

In week 46, six provinces reported localized influenza activity, while Alberta reported widespread activity, largely in the northern region of the province.

That week also saw 90 influenza-associated hospitalizations, which is more than a quarter of all hospitalizations since the end of August.

Around two per cent of all visits to healthcare professionals during that week were due to influenza-like illness, the report stated, although it added that there is a smaller number of people gathering this data now.

FluWatch also assesses how common certain symptoms are through volunteer participants. In week 46, more than 9,000 Canadians contributed this information to FluWatchers, with 1.9 per cent reporting symptoms of cough and fever. Of those who reported cough and fever, one fifth consulted a healthcare professional and 81 per cent reported missing days from work or school as a result of their illness.

The report noted that the symptoms of cough and fever occur across various respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV and the common cold, and the metrics of these symptoms help to give an idea of how much respiratory illnesses are circulating at a time when there are multiple viruses active.

A graph depicting the arc of previous flu seasons showed that current rates are falling along the average increase that we would expect to see at this time of year. Historically, the flu season can occur at some point anywhere from late October to late May.

Last year, Canada experienced an early peak of flu cases, with the positivity rate reaching above 20 per cent by early December and then dropping over the next few weeks.

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Saskatchewan reports five flu-related deaths in two-week span - northeastNOW

Shahab noted it appears the number of influenza cases is surpassing COVID-19 cases in hospitals right now.

“This is the first time, I think since, the (COVID-19) pandemic began that we’re seeing more hospitalizations due to influenza than due to COVID,” explained Shahab. “I think this is the first time influenza has been neck and neck with COVID or higher.”

Hospital admissions due to the flu rose from 15 in the week of Oct. 22-28 to 127 last week. In that same time frame, flu-related admissions to ICUs in the province went from one to 20.

The CRISP report noted there were 97 people in Saskatchewan hospitals with COVID last week, with four people in ICU.

Shahab said Saskatchewan had an early flu season and a late COVID-19 season last year. He suggested that this year, that has been flipped around.

“This year, we had COVID starting earlier and COVID has kind of plateaued at the moment and influenza has picked up over the last three to four weeks,” he stated.

“I think this is like a regular respiratory season like we used to have before, but now the only difference is we have two respiratory viruses (influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus) as well as COVID,” he added.

As of last Saturday, 18.9 per cent of people in Saskatchewan had received a flu shot this season. Shahab recommended everyone who’s eligible get a flu shot to prevent any further illnesses.

As for why it appears the flu has surpassed COVID cases this season, Shahab suggested that people being vaccinated, along with stronger immunity in the population because of other contagious variants, could be the reason why COVID might not be as prevalent this time around.

Shahab also suggested that to prevent the spread of the flu or COVID, people should stay home if they’re sick and consider wearing a mask if they’re around someone who might be vulnerable.

The CRISP report

While the number of lab-confirmed flu cases skyrocketed, instances of COVID stayed relatively steady.

Between Oct. 29 and Nov. 4, there were 442 COVID cases detected in labs in the province. After rising to 496 in the first full week of November, that number fell to 426 in the week ending last Saturday.

The COVID test-positivity rate fell from 15.7 per cent in the week ending Nov. 4 to 13.9 per cent last week.

There were three COVID-related deaths in the province in the week of Nov. 5-11 and one in the week ending Saturday. Since the start of the pandemic, 2,022 Saskatchewan residents have died due to the virus.

According to the report, 14.7 per cent of Saskatchewan residents over the age of six months have received a COVID vaccine since Sept. 18. That’s when the latest vaccines were delivered to the province.

As for the flu, five regions – far northwest (50 per cent), far northeast (64.4 per cent), north-central (50.4 per cent), northeast (59.1 per cent) and Saskatoon (33.2 per cent) – reported a test-positivity rate higher than the provincial average of 31 per cent.

The number of lab-confirmed RSV cases rose from eight in the last full week of October to 28 last week. RSV-related hospitalizations rose from two to seven in that same span.

The report said total hospital admissions for respiratory viruses increased 35 per cent over the past two weeks.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Shane Clausing

by CKOM News

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Rates of COVID-19, influenza on the rise in Manitoba: Report - CTV News Winnipeg

COVID-19 and seasonal flu rates continue to rise in Manitoba.

The latest Provincial Respiratory Surveillance Report says COVID detection rates have increased. As well, recent wastewater surveillance data shows a rise in coronavirus activity, particularly in the areas of Brandon and Winnipeg.

A total of 312 new COVID-19 cases have been detected in Manitoba in the past week, bringing the total number of new cases since July to 2,604.

This week saw an average of 220 COVID-19 tests taken per day across the province with a positivity rate of 28.2%. The province says there have been some severe cases, with 78 hospital admissions, including 12 into the ICU. One person has died from COVID-19 this week.

Flu cases are also on the rise in Manitoba. The report says there has been a week-over-week increase in influenza activity, with both Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) detection and test positivity going up over that time.

Manitoba saw a huge spike in influenza A cases with 70 this week, nearly doubling the number to a total of 156 since July. There were no new cases of influenza B, and only a total of 14 reported.

The provincial government issues the report weekly based on syndromic indicators, lab testing, and associated hospitalizations and outbreaks. More information can be found online.

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COVID-19, flu rates on the rise across Manitoba: Report - CTV News Winnipeg

COVID-19 and seasonal flu rates continue to rise in Manitoba.

The latest Provincial Respiratory Surveillance Report says COVID detection rates have increased. As well, recent wastewater surveillance data shows a rise in coronavirus activity, particularly in the areas of Brandon and Winnipeg.

A total of 312 new COVID-19 cases have been detected in Manitoba in the past week, bringing the total number of new cases since July to 2,604.

This week saw an average of 220 COVID-19 tests taken per day across the province with a positivity rate of 28.2%. The province says there have been some severe cases, with 78 hospital admissions, including 12 into the ICU. One person has died from COVID-19 this week.

Flu cases are also on the rise in Manitoba. The report says there has been a week-over-week increase in influenza activity, with both Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) detection and test positivity going up over that time.

Manitoba saw a huge spike in influenza A cases with 70 this week, nearly doubling the number to a total of 156 since July. There were no new cases of influenza B, and only a total of 14 reported.

The provincial government issues the report weekly based on syndromic indicators, lab testing, and associated hospitalizations and outbreaks. More information can be found online.

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Diet and exercise could pave the way for diabetes remission - University of Alberta

A research team from the University of Alberta is aiming to find out whether a combination of diet and exercise could stop the progression of Type 2 diabetes for some people — or even put the disease into remission.

Led by professor Norm Boulé and PhD student Jordan Rees, researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation are investigating the potential for diabetes remission. Their preliminary findings suggest some patients can stabilize blood sugar levels without medications, following an intensive lifestyle intervention.

“The majority of people with diabetes in Alberta have Type 2 diabetes,” says Boulé, who is a member of the Alberta Diabetes Institute. “Concerningly, Type 2 diabetes, once primarily seen in older adults, is now being diagnosed in younger individuals. This is what is exciting about this study. Early intervention is paramount, given the more aggressive progression observed in younger patients,” he adds.

Though Type 2 diabetes has historically been viewed as a manageable yet progressive disease, the interplay of social, economic and environmental influences has led to its alarming surge in Alberta. According to recent statistics, diabetes rates in Alberta have almost doubled in just a decade. As of 2022, this means that eight per cent of the population — or more than 403,000 Albertans — are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and 90 to 95 per cent of those diagnosed with the disease will have Type 2.

While usually associated with cancer, the term “remission” has slowly been integrated into the diabetes research lexicon. Even though diabetes is normally viewed as a progressively worsening condition, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting it might be possible to halt Type 2 diabetes or even put it into remission.

One of the benchmarks in this area of research is the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) from the U.K., which saw participants undergo a 12- to 20-week, low-energy meal replacement diet. 

“Astonishingly, after one year, 46 per cent of participants were in remission, and after two years, that figure was still at 36 per cent,” Boulé says.

The DiRECT trial focused mainly on diet without incorporating a structured exercise regime.

“Such diets do lead to significant weight loss, but it’s crucial to understand that not all weight loss is beneficial,” says Boulé. He explains that these diets often result in the loss of muscle mass, which is undesirable, especially for older people.

“Cardiovascular health of participants on these diets didn’t improve as much as expected.”

Study blends diet and exercise

Boulé’s ongoing research aims to enhance the benefits of the low-energy diet approach by adding an exercise component. Adding exercise into the mix can be a game-changer — and it’s not just about burning calories, he emphasizes.

“Maintaining and building muscles is crucial for storing glucose, and with the aging process leading to natural muscle reduction, an exercise regimen is essential,” says Boulé.

Rees adds that a major benefit to participants is the one-on-one interactions they experience, including counselling from dietitians.

“In a health-care system often overwhelmed, clients have told me they appreciate the close attention to their concerns,” she says.

Another bonus for clients is they are fitted with a continuous glucose monitor. “This technology, often visible as a small sensor on the arm, provides a detailed view of glucose levels throughout the day, allowing for more precise understanding of glucose changes with the diet and exercise plans,” Boulé explains.

This study is particular about its participants, to ensure it reaches those who could benefit the most and produces the most reliable results, says Boulé.

“Although not every participant may achieve long-term remission, even a short-term delay in the progression of diabetes may lead to sustained health benefits.”

And while this study is a great start, he believes occasional “resets” might be needed as glucose levels start to creep up over the years.

One size doesn’t fit all

Boulé emphasizes some patients respond better than others to treatments, and not achieving remission doesn’t equate to not putting in enough effort. “The disease has multiple facets, and different interventions may be needed for different individuals.”

It’s crucial to consult with health-care professionals to understand whether aiming for remission is suitable.

There are also societal factors, such as colonialism and racism, that can affect diabetes rates and care, so an approach that addresses these issues is essential, Boulé stresses.

“It’s crucial not to view remission as a measure of success or failure. Instead, the focus should be on individualized care, and ensuring everyone has access to the best possible treatments and resources.”

Collaborators in this U of A research include Rose Yeung, assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry; Carla Prado, professor in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; and Richard Thompson, associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering.

The study is supported by funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Medical Research Council.

If you’re 18-45 years old, recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and meet specific criteria, consider participating in this groundbreaking research. You can sign up at Be The Cure.

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Mobile mammography trailer coming to Fort Macleod - My Lethbridge Now

Alberta Health Services is bringing its mobile breast cancer screening services to Fort Macleod again. The mobile mammography trailer will be parked at the Fort Macleod Health Centre on Dec. 1,2,4 and 5.

Women between the ages of 45 and 74 can make appointments by visiting the Screening For Life website.

“Screen Test is improving access to cancer screening for thousands of women in Alberta communities where mammography is not readily available,” reads a news release from AHS. “A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and has proven to be the most effective way to detect breast cancer. Early detection allows for a greater number of options for treatment and a better chance of survival.”

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USask pioneering wearable kidney and other patient-centric solutions - USask News

A focus on impact

Dr. Abdelrasoul’s primary motivation is to help patients – and to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health in the process. “There is this sense that what we currently have for dialysis patients is good enough,” she says. “But when these people are suffering and dying, we need to do more. The goal is to improve the quality of life for those who currently have to spend a lot of their time hooked up to a machine in a hospital.”

A wearable kidney, which would work on the same principle as the portable pancreas (a portable insulin pump used by diabetics and worn discreetly on the body), would allow patients the freedom to engage in daily activities while receiving their life-saving treatment.

“While this can make life easier for everyone, it is especially impactful for someone living in a rural area who faces limited access to dialysis units, the burden of transportation costs, and risks related to travelling in hard weather,” she says. “My research program aims to enhance the quality of life for all patients across different backgrounds with different ages, biological sexes and races. We’re working with St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, a provincial leader in renal disease, and we’re also establishing collaborations with Indigenous communities to better support Indigenous patients.”

Dr. Abdelrasoul and her team have already filed a patent for innovative membrane material that promises better patient outcomes in terms of reducing inflammation and complications. While taking such innovation to impact can mean “expensive research and materials,” she insists that “this will not only reduce undesirable symptoms but will also help save health-care costs in the long run by reducing required frequency of dialysis sessions and reducing the need for other medical interventions and hospital stays.”

Earlier this year, the team – together with Push Interactions – launched an app that allows a patient-centred environment for dialysis patients and to raise awareness. Named Abdelrasoul Dialysis, the app aims to bring the “experiences of a community of patients, including their physical and psychological symptoms and concerns, to bear on research,” she adds.

In addition to the research progress towards a wearable kidney, Dr. Abdelrasoul is also working to advance tools for physicians treating kidney disease. “I found that prescribing the type of module that is right for an individual patient can be challenging for doctors,” she says. “That’s why we’re developing mathematical models that can predict inflammation based on what membranes and clinical practices are used. This, in turn, will allow physicians to choose the therapies that carry the lowest risk for each patient.”

Both efforts – computational models for reducing negative outfall of therapies and membrane research for improving the dialysis process – aim to address the same challenge “from different angles,” she says. “We are getting closer, step by step, and I’m really proud of all that has been achieved.”

Original article published at the Globe and Mail.

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TMR- Vera Etches Interview "Ottawa enters 'diciest' weeks for viral transmission." - iHeartRadio.ca

TMR- Vera Etches Interview "Ottawa enters 'diciest' weeks for viral transmission."

Ottawa enters 'diciest' weeks for viral transmission. Public health experts urge residents to stay vigilant and get vaccinated as flu season arrives amid rising COVID-19 numbers in the Ottawa area. We speak to Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa medical officer of health  

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China tells WHO no 'novel pathogens' detected after pneumonia clusters reported among kids - CBC.ca

Reports of clusters of unexplained pneumonia among children in multiple cities in China made headlines this week. Yet Chinese authorities and close watchers of the situation say the rise in illness is likely linked to known threats circulating after the country lifted public health restrictions — not a new pathogen.

On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it had held a teleconference with Chinese health authorities, who provided data showing an increase in outpatient visits and hospital admissions of children due to well-known illnesses in recent months.

The WHO said the data showed a rise in illness since October that is linked to the circulation of several well-known viruses: influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It also showed increased illness since May linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The bacteria causes a common childhood infection and is known for a mild form of disease called atypical pneumonia, often called walking pneumonia.

"Some of these increases are earlier in the season than historically experienced, but not unexpected given the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, as similarly experienced in other countries," the WHO noted.

Chinese health authorities didn't report any changes in symptoms and said there has been "no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens."

That includes both Beijing and Liaoning, two cities nearly 700 kilometres apart that were highlighted in a Tuesday alert from the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED). The public infectious disease surveillance system described clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia cases among children, based on a report from a news station in Taiwan.

Chinese authorities pinned those cases on the "aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens" and told the WHO the spike "has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities."

China recently launched enhanced outpatient and inpatient surveillance covering a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria, including — for the first time — M. pneumoniae, the WHO said in its statement. This "may have contributed to the observed increase in detection and reporting of respiratory illness in children."

China's COVID-19 restrictions in place through 2022

China also maintained a zero-COVID policy for several years, only lifting strict restrictions at the end of 2022. Since then, various respiratory viruses have started circulating again, noted Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious diseases specialist with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

"But that doesn't mean that younger populations have necessarily seen all these viruses yet," he added. "They may have seen only a handful of them."

A novel pathogen would likely strike the entire population at once, Chagla noted. The early details from China suggest primarily children are impacted, he said, . 

American pediatrician and vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez agreed. Speaking to CBC News, he said younger age groups may simply lack immunity from exposure to viruses and bacteria that commonly circulate, but were kept at bay over the last few years. 

Other countries that started lifting public health restrictions earlier — including Canada — also experienced surges of various infections in the months that followed. Here, a triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV flooded children's hospitals a year ago, leading to long wait times, shortages in beds and staff, and in some cases, cancelled surgeries.

"[Chinese authorities] certainly have no reason to obscure the information," Hotez said.

"And look, surges on pediatric hospital beds are not unusual. We have experienced that in the United States and we have experienced it in Canada, so there is nothing to think that there is anything unsavoury going on,"

Still, Chagla said ongoing information-sharing is crucial. China was previously accused of withholding data around the COVID-19 pandemic, and has faced extensive criticism over a perceived lack of transparency.

"This is an area of the world where we've had two pandemics shown up, which have been reported first in ProMED … so there's always a need for caution, appropriate surveillance and testing to make sure nothing else has happened," Chagla said.

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Weekly update on hospital capacity - November 23, 2023 - Hamilton Health Sciences

Hamilton’s healthcare partners are asking for the community’s help in preventing the spread of respiratory illness this fall/winter season and preserving access to the city’s urgent care and emergency resources for those who need them most.

As part of this effort, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) will be sharing weekly updates about hospital capacity, and links to stories/health tips to support our community this fall/winter season.

All HHS sites, including our emergency departments (EDs) continue to be under significant pressure.

NEW this week:

• Visits to the Emergency Department at our McMaster Children’s Hospital have been steadily increasing and we are seeing more children and youth with symptoms of viral illness.
  • As of November 20, there were 27 pediatric patients admitted with flu/RSV/COVID. This is up from 23 patients last week.
  • Of the 27 patients, 17 have RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
• Message from MCH ED physician Dr. Nathalie Schindler: “Our children’s emergency department is getting busier than usual. Every fall and winter, we see a rise in emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses. We’re seeing a lot more children with cough, fever and trouble breathing. This is the time for children and families to get their flu and COVID vaccines to decrease the risk of severe illness.”

Reminder about visitor guidelines:

• Masking is strongly recommended when in the following areas at all of our hospitals: inpatient units, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and procedural and diagnostic areas. Masks are available at hospital entrances.
• Please do not visit if you feel unwell or have symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, or a new rash.
• Your visit may be interrupted to provide patient care. We ask that when care is being provided by the care team that you wait until they are finished to visit.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after eating, coughing, sneezing and using the washroom.
• Hamilton Health Sciences has provided hand sanitizer for visitor use throughout our hospitals. Please use this often during your visit. Remember to make sure your hands are dry after applying the sanitizer before you touch anything.

Other items of note:

• The Hamilton General Hospital remains on redirect for non-regional critical care to ensure that level-3 critical care capacity remains available for those requiring specialized care in our regional programs such cardac, stroke, burns , neuro and trauma.
• Where necessary, some scheduled care is being deferred to lessen the pressure on patient flow and ensure HHS can fulfil its regional and critical care mandate.
• All HHS sites, including the Satellite Health Facility (operated in partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton) and McMaster Children’s Hospital, are routinely at 100% occupancy or higher.

We’re grateful to everyone for their patience when seeking care in our EDs and when attending appointments in our hospitals. Thank you to our staff and physicians as well for their endless efforts to meet the needs of all patients.

Hospital activity – November 23

Funded Occupancy Rates:
Hamilton General Hospital	98%
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre	110%
McMaster Children’s Hospital	95%
West Lincoln Memorial Hospital	129%
ALC Patient Occupancy	259
COVID+ Patients	94
COVID+ Patients in ICU	Less than 5
Active COVID Outbreaks	2

RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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Study shows potential of new treatment strategies for most common childhood cancer - UBC Faculty of Medicine

UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) have made a key discovery about how childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) evolves and responds to targeted therapies.

Published in Nature Communications, the study found that some treatable aspects of a child’s cancer that are present at diagnosis still remain if the disease returns. This finding suggests that clinicians can start looking for precision treatments for a child’s cancer immediately after diagnosis, rather than waiting until the cancer has come back.

Dr. Amanda Lorentzian

Approximately 40 children are diagnosed with ALL in B.C. each year and, although most will be successfully treated, around one in 10 relapse.

“Currently, the vast majority of children with ALL receive curative treatment after diagnosis,” says Dr. Amanda Lorentzian, first author on the study, who completed the research as part of her PhD under the supervision of UBC’s Dr. Philipp Lange and Dr. Christopher Maxwell. “The issue is treating those 10 per cent of children whose cancer returns.”

Precision oncology — targeted treatment tailored to the unique molecular traits of an individual child’s cancer — is one of the most hopeful strategies for these children when standard chemotherapy fails.

“To make the best use of precision oncology, we need to better understand how cancers evolve and whether responses to targeted treatments may be gained or lost when it relapses,” says co-senior author Dr. Philipp Lange, Canada Research Chair and professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at UBC, and researcher at BCCHR. “By studying rare samples of ALL progression, we can identify meaningful information about the child’s disease, and its potential vulnerability, starting from initial diagnosis.”

Dr. Philipp Lange

The researchers used patient biopsy samples collected at BC Children’s and stored at BC Children’s BioBank, as well as publicly available data, to track how cancers changed between initial diagnosis and after the cancer had returned.

“This study is great news for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and their families, and we are incredibly grateful to the research team at the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program and the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute for their hard work,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The ability for clinicians and researchers to investigate precision treatments for patients with this type of cancer immediately after diagnosis will bring peace of mind to patients and families and provide better outcomes for this type of diagnosis.”

Importantly, the team analyzed changes in the proteome — the molecules and proteins produced by the cancer cells — as well as the changes in the cancer’s genes.

“Therapies don’t target the genes, they target proteins,” says Dr. Lange. “While a lot of research has focused on the genetic variants associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, few studies have investigated how protein levels change between diagnosis and relapse, especially when looking at treatment targets.”

“In this study we pay particular attention to the proteins, in addition to looking at the underlying genetic factors.”

Dr. Christopher Maxwell

As an example of the potential of this combined genomic and proteomic approach, the team found that drugs that target the protein PARP1 — a molecule involved in DNA repair — worked well against both initial and relapsed models of ALL. Importantly, drugs that target this pathway, known as PARP inhibitors, would not have been an obvious choice had the cancers only been analyzed at the genetic level.

“Our study highlights the great potential of treatments selected on the combination of genetic and protein information,” says co-senior author Dr. Christopher Maxwell, associate professor of pediatrics at UBC and researcher at BCCHR.

“When a child is diagnosed with this disease, these types of analyses can help us zero in on more tailored treatments should the cancer return.”

The research team are members of the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, supported by funding from BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Michael Cuccione Foundation, and are part of the BRAvE Initiative.

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A version of this story originally appeared on the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute website.

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