Nurse practitioner at The Hospital for Sick Children receives prestigious Gairdner Momentum Award
Nurse practitioner at The Hospital for Sick Children receives prestigious Gairdner Momentum Award
The Hospital for Sick Children has the largest pediatric pain clinic in Canada. This year, one of the hospital's founders received a top international award for her work. CTV's health reporter Pauline Chan has more.
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CTV News
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- CTV News
Don't know if you've been vaccinated against measles? Get a shot, doctors urge
A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont. on Tuesday, March 4, CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins TORONTO — Public health doctors say if people don't know if they've been vaccinated against measles, they should get a shot. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. But she says if they really have no idea, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases. The exception is pregnant women, because the MMR vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy as it contains live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. Tam says it's vital for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated ahead of time because a measles infection can cause severe complications for both the mom and baby. She says if someone is already pregnant and thinks they might have been exposed to measles, they should talk to their health-care provider. Dr. Sarah Wilson, a physician with Public Health Ontario, says a blood test, known as serology, can be used to see if a pregnant person has antibodies to measles. 'If there is uncertainty as to whether or not they've ever had an MMR vaccine, offering serology can be helpful to understand (if) this person (is) susceptible or not, so that if they are ever exposed to measles, they can very quickly be offered something called post-exposure prophylaxis to help reduce the risk of measles,' Wilson said. But for most people who aren't sure of their vaccination status, getting a measles shot is preferable to getting a blood test to check for measles immunity, both Wilson and Tam said. That's because the time lapse between getting the test and waiting for the results is a missed opportunity to get vaccinated sooner, they said. Tam said Canada has enough MMR vaccine to meet an increased demand for the shot. As summer approaches and people prepare to travel — both within Canada and to foreign countries — making sure you get a measles shot if you're unvaccinated or unsure should be part of the plan, Tam said. 'Get ready to get vaccinated as early as possible, but I think the important point is if you really left it to the last minute, still go and get it,' she said. 'Even the last-minute immunization will offer some protection during that trip, but also it can protect you into the future.' Tam said being vaccinated against measles also helps protect others who can't be immunized, including pregnant women, children under six months old and some people who are immunocompromised. Babies usually don't get their first dose of MMR vaccine until they're 12 months old, but public health officials have lowered the age to six months in communities where there is a measles outbreak, including in southwestern Ontario. The devastating effects of the rise of measles in that hard-hit region became clear on Thursday, when the Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced a baby who was born prematurely and infected while in the womb had died. Dr. Kieran Moore noted that the infant also faced other medical complications unrelated to the virus. Tam and Wilson both expressed their condolences to the grieving family. 'That was very sad news,' said Tam. 'I think it's telling us that we've all got to be very vigilant about measles in our communities.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Smoke leads to Special Air Quality Statement for Windsor-Essex
Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Windsor-Essex. The forecaster says smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. High risk air quality due to wildfire smoke is expected over the area into this evening. Northerly winds this evening should improve air quality. Environment Canada says as smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Here are some tips included in the Special Air Quality Statement: Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. Always follow guidance from local authorities. Learn more at Visit for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
2 birds in Yellowknife test positive for avian flu
Two birds in Yellowknife, a raven and ring-billed gull, have tested positive for bird flu and the N.W.T. government is warning residents on how best to take precautions. In a news release Friday, the N.W.T.'s environment department said there have been nine confirmed cases of bird flu — formerly known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — in the territory since 2022. The disease is highly infectious among birds but the department said there are no signs of an outbreak and risk to other birds remains low. In the news release, the territory's chief public health officer said transmission of bird flu to humans is rare and typically mild, but residents should still be careful when handling birds. The territory is warning residents not to handle wild birds that are found dead or acting strangely, and to avoid touching surfaces that could be contaminated. They're also asked to report sightings of sick, injured or dead wildlife to the community's Environment and Climate Change (ECC) regional office. Hunters are advised to wear gloves and wash their hands often while dressing birds, and to process birds in well-ventilated areas. They should also disinfect surfaces, equipment and clothing afterwards, and always cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 74 C (165 F). Anybody experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms and who has been in contact with a bird within 10 days is asked to reach out to their local health centre or call 811 for assessment.
