Ottawa Public Health

10/16/2026

This week, COVID-19 and RSV levels are low and stable, while influenza activity is moderate and increasing.
Children under 5 years of age, older adults and people at higher risk of severe illness are already eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine providers in the community are starting to get shipments of vaccine. As of Oct 26, everyone will be eligible and the vaccines will be more available.
For more information about vaccinations, when they're available and where to get vaccinated, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus

10/15/2026

When your child isn't feeling well, finding the right care can feel overwhelming. The Where to Seek Care guide and CHEO's Find the Right Care tool can help you understand your options and decide where to go based on your child's symptoms.

To access the Where to Seek Care guide, visit:
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/media/sopppeph/where_to_seek_care-handout_final-09062023-1.pdf
For CHEO's Find the Right Care tool, visit: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/clinics-programs/find-the-right-care/

10/14/2026

We are so excited to support this program to encourage youth to get active and coaches to gain expertise. Physical activity is essential for physical, mental, and social health and well-being at all ages. Quality sport environments help encourage kids to start and stay in sports as they grow.

Find more information at https://sportottawa.ca/ottawa-quality-sport-pilot-initiative-expression-of-interest-open-till-october-16-2026/

📣 Reminder: There is one month left for community sport organizations to submit their Expressions of Interest to participate in the Ottawa Sport Council / Ottawa Public Health's Ottawa Quality Sport Pilot Initiative. 🌟

2 successful groups will receive 5 fully funded registrations for Quality Sport Leader – Level 1 certification courses from Sport For Life, plus a 1-year subscription to S4L's renowned PLAYBuilder online platform.

Strengthen coaching & leadership in community sport – learn more and apply by October 16, 2026 at:

https://sportottawa.ca/ottawa-quality-sport-pilot-initiative-expression-of-interest-open-till-october-16-2026/

10/14/2026

Did you know that falls are the number one cause for concussions in older adults in Canada? A concussion is a brain injury and can cause a variety of symptoms including trouble concentrating and memory problems. Preventing falls is an important way to reduce your risk.

Learn how to recognize the signs of a concussion, what to do if you suspect one and how to prevent them:

A concussion is a brain injury that can’t be seen on routine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It affects the way a person may think and remember things, and can cause a variety of symptoms. Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars your head, could cause a concussion.

10/13/2026

Booking an eye exam is a simple step that can make a big difference in your child’s learning and development.

Find an optometrist near you, visit: https://find.optom.on.ca

Ontario Association of Optometrists

10/12/2026

Zero waste turkey ideas:
➡️Pull all the meat off the bones
➡️Make turkey stock right away, or freeze the carcass and boil it later when you have time.
➡️Freeze the meat in the cooking liquid (keeps for 3 months). Later you can thaw it to use in pot pies, soups, quesadillas, curries, even sandwiches and salads.

For more ideas and recipes: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/5-ways/chicken-turkey/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUwl3dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4ZftIVG6vjk_trVIL-fNbJb5hXK6xh5CxwjQ4PrtgRtZlCLENtZZEe8a0jNg_aem_gkO1aO6r0207-Z5PbZCIcg

Pick a soup, any soup, and add cooked chicken or turkey. Add it towards the end of cooking just to heat through. It’s that easy. Use some in this classic

10/11/2026

The turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving dinner, but leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving!

A little planning can help reduce food waste and make the most of your holiday feast:

Share the leftovers: Ask guests to bring reusable containers so everyone can take home their favourite sides.

Clear the fridge: Make room the days before by using up or freezing everyday items so your holiday leftovers aren't crammed into corners.

Plan ahead: Turn leftovers into easy meals all week long—think turkey noodle soup for Monday, stuffing waffles for Tuesday, and cranberry wraps for Wednesday.

Anything you can’t eat, like peelings, bones, egg shells and even used napkins and paper towels go in your green bin.

A stress-free holiday starts with a solid game plan. What’s your favourite dish to make with Thanksgiving leftovers?

For more tips to reduce food waste visit: https://bit.ly/4ggR3yr

10/10/2026

This , we're reminding you that it's okay if not every day is a 10/10.

Today is 10/10, coincidentally. But it gets there on a technicality.

Your mental health doesn't have to be.

For the harder days and moments when you need support, resources are always available at https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/clinics-education-and-supports/mental-health/mental-health-addictions-and-substance-use-health-services-and-resources/

10/09/2026

Our numbers indicate an earlier start to the flu season is likely this year. We know from previous seasons that respiratory illnesses don't all peak at the same time, so it's important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines and practice healthy habits.

This week, influenza activity is moderate, while COVID-19 and RSV activity remain low.

As we head into Thanksgiving festivities, remember to wash your hands often and be mindful of spreading germs to those at higher risk.

Find out more information about vaccinations, when they're available and where to get vaccinated by visiting: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus.

10/08/2026

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is alerting residents of measles exposure locations and investigating confirmed measles infections in two Ottawa residents with known exposure to measles outside of Ontario.

At this time, the risk to the general population remains low.

Please read the PSA here: https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/ottawa-public-health-alerting-residents-measles-exposure-locations-1