Congregate living settings and hospitals

• Pneumococcal vaccine program – Updated health-care provider resources
• Ontario’s routine immunization schedule – Updated patient resources

Early recognition of cases signals suspected outbreaks. Swift action is essential for effective management of outbreaks in long-term care and retirement homes and has the potential to make a significant impact during the outbreak that will benefit both residents and staff. Please refer to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s guidance document Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings, 2025.

Case definitions for respiratory outbreaks (including COVID-19) and gastroenteritis outbreaks are determined by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A respiratory outbreak should be suspected whenever there are two cases of acute respiratory tract illness within 48 hours on one unit. Immediate testing should be done to determine the causative organism. Specimens submitted under an outbreak number are given testing priority and undergo an expanded testing algorithm.

As per the Ministry of Health’s Infectious Disease Protocol, and in alignment with the Health Protection and Promotion Act, suspected and confirmed outbreaks are reportable to Southeast Public Health. If you suspect an outbreak in your facility during business hours, contact Southeast Public Health.

• Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, extension 349
• Evenings, weekends and holidays
  • 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, press 4 to reach on-call manager

• Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 613-549-1232, extension 4722 or email ipac@SoutheastPH.ca
• Evenings, weekends and holidays
  • 613-507-3100 ask for manager on-call

• Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 613-345–5685 or 1-800-660-5853, extension 2222
• Evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • 613-345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853, extension 2222 and press 0 to reach on-call manager

• Visit our Infection prevention and control guidelines page

• Enteric outbreak control measures checklist
• Respiratory outbreak control measures checklist
• COVID-19 outbreak control measures checklist

• Preparing for your cold chain inspection checklist (PDF)
• Blank vaccine cold chain maintenance inspection report
• Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines
• Vaccine Temperature Log Book – Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care

Please be patient as we work to bring resources from Southeast Public Health to you in a format for downloading and printing. If you are in need of a particular resource not listed on this page, you have previously received, please contact us.