In P.E.I., sweeping new strategy takes aim at ‘pervasive drinking culture’

Public healthYesterdayCanada

Canada plunges into early flu season as vaccines begin to roll out

Canada’s flu season began seven weeks earlier than usual, with national positivity rates exceeding the five per cent epidemic threshold by mid-October. While H1N1 is the dominant strain, experts note that current vaccines remain effective at reducing the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization.

Due in 8 daysPublic health2 days agoCanada

Long COVID patients 'devastated' by impending changes to virtual care access in B.C.

More than 300,000 British Columbians live with long COVID, and the province's virtual-care clinic serves over 8,500 patients. From Nov. 1, virtual group appointments will be capped at 30 patients, down from groups of up to 50, and the per-patient fee falls from $14.71 to $11.42. The clinic says allied health will no longer be available in virtual group settings and patients should expect longer waits; the changes were signed off by the Medical Services Commission on Sept. 24.

The changes land Nov. 1 on a clinic that is the main virtual-care route for thousands of long COVID patients across B.C.

Public health2 days agoCanada

Regina mom hopes new HIV testing program will help others giving birth

Saskatchewan hospitals are now using a rapid test that gives a mother with HIV her viral load on site within about two hours, instead of waiting days for a central lab, so treatment decisions for mother and newborn can be made at once. The practice is in use in Regina and Saskatoon and is rolling out to Melfort and more remote communities. Saskatchewan is the first province to use the test this widely; in 2024 its first-time HIV diagnosis rate was three times the national average, second only to Manitoba.

A two-hour result instead of days means treatment for mother and baby can start before they leave the hospital.

Public health3 days agoManitoba

2026 Flu & COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is hosting community clinics for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Residents can book appointments online or by phone, and walk-ins are welcome. Immunizations are also available through primary care providers, ACCESS Centres, and local pharmacies.