Author: Admin

Join the PCFC Advisory Council – Help Shape Health and Social Care in Niagara!

Admin 22 Sep , 2025

Join the PCFC Advisory Council – Help Shape Health and Social Care in Niagara!

The Patient/Client and Family/Caregiver (PCFC) Advisory Council of the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is recruiting at least six new members this fall.

The PCFC Advisory Council is a group of individuals with lived experience accessing health or social services in Niagara. Advisors provide valuable feedback, share their perspectives, and collaborate with more than 45 local health and social service partners to help improve care for everyone in our community.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals who represent the diversity of Niagara, including:

  • People from equity-deserving communities
  • Individuals with chronic health conditions
  • Caregivers of pediatric patients
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Individuals with lived experience of homelessness

What PCFC Advisors Do

  • Share personal experiences to help inform care
  • Participate in monthly PCFC Advisory Council meetings
  • Join at least one NOHT-ÉSON working group or committee
  • Provide input on policies, programs, and services to help shape a more integrated, inclusive system of care

Focus Areas for 2025 Recruitment

We are especially seeking representation in the following working groups:

  • Finance
  • Governance
  • Health Human Resources
  • Palliative Care
  • Digital Health

How to Apply

If you are passionate about improving health and social care in Niagara, we want to hear from you!

✅ Apply online today (people will be directed to the PCFC Advisory Council webpage): https://noht-eson.ca/about/pcfc-advisory-council/

Applications will be reviewed by members of the PCFC Advisory Council, and selected candidates will be invited to an orientation session.

Why Join?

By becoming a PCFC Advisor, you will:

✔ Help transform health and social services in Niagara

✔ Amplify the voices of patients, clients, families, and caregivers

✔ Play a vital role in building a healthier, more equitable community

About the NOHT-ÉSON

The NOHT-ÉSON is a steadily growing network of more than 45 health care providers, social service agencies, educational institutions, and PCFC representatives committed to building an integrated, seamless, and inclusive system of care.

📌 Ready to make a difference?

Apply today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C98VCGW

For more information about the NOHT-ÉSON and the PCFC Advisory Council, visit: www.noht-eson.ca

MEDICAL ADVISORY: Measles Vaccination Recommendations and Vaccine Eligibility Extensions

Admin 07 Mar , 2024

MEDICAL ADVISORY: Measles Vaccination Recommendations and Vaccine Eligibility Extensions

Issued by: Dr. Jessica Jackman, MD MPH FRCPC FACPM DipABLM, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Date: March 5, 2024

Measles Vaccination Recommendations

In response to questions that Niagara Region Public Health has received from health care providers about measles vaccination, recommendations have been included for easy reference.

Vaccination schedule for those travelling outside of Canada 

  • Infants six to 11 months of age are eligible to receive one dose of MMR
    • Infants who receive a dose of MMR before 12 months of age will still need to be vaccinated according to the routine schedule beginning at 12 months
  • Adults who are eligible to receive only one dose of measles-containing vaccine according to the routine schedule can get a second dose for travel

Routine vaccination schedule (including high risk adults 26 years of age and older)

  • Children 12 months to 17 years of age 
    • The first dose of MMR is given at 12 months of age
    • A second dose of measles-containing vaccine is routinely given between four to six years of age
    • Children who have not received measles-containing vaccine according to this timeline are recommended to receive two doses
  • Adults 18 to 25 years 
    • Adults 18 to 25 years should receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine. If only one dose was previously received, individuals in this age group are recommended to receive a second dose.
  • Adults 26 years of age and older 
    • Adults who have not had a measles-containing vaccine can be vaccinated as well. Adults 26 years of age and older can receive one dose of measles-containing vaccine.
    • A second dose of measles-containing vaccine is also recommended for adults who meet the following criteria:
      • Health care workers
      • Post-secondary students
      • Military personnel
      • Anyone travelling outside of Canada
      • Anyone based on the health care provider’s clinical judgement

If further consultation about measles vaccination for a patient is required, call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396.

Use the General Vaccine Order Form to order MMR and MMRV vaccines.

Vaccine Eligibility Extensions

On January 5, 2024, the Ministry of Health updated their Guidance for Routine & Catch-Up Immunization Services. Please take every opportunity to identify, communicate with, and vaccinate your patients as per below.

  1. Students who missed school-based, grade 7 vaccines 

As a reminder, students remain eligible for Men-C-ACYW135 until they have received this vaccine.

2. Individuals who meet the criteria to receive high-risk vaccines

  • Extended until December 31, 2024:
    • HPV-9 (Gardasil 9®)available for males born in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997
    • 4CMenB (Bexsero®)available for individuals born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
    • Men-C-ACYW135 (Menactra® or Nimenrix®)available for individuals born in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968
  • Refer to page 9 of the Ministry of Health’s guidancefor more information
  • See the High Risk Vaccine Order Formfor details and to place an order for vaccine

??????3. Adults who missed receiving Shingles vaccine 

For more information

Call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396