Learn more about respiratory virus activity, vaccine availability, symptom management, and when to seek care at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus

Today, October 29, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, along with Ottawa Paramedic Service, @ottawapolice.bsky.social, Ottawa Fire Services, Public Works, @octranspo.com and @ottawapublichealth.ca, provided an update on rising traffic-related fatalities and shared key road safety reminders. Watch: bit.ly/4swCAE9

Looking for new ways to use up leftovers? Join Love Food Hate Waste for a virtual cooking demonstration on November 4 at 6 pm in English or 4 pm in French. Already have a favourite way to use up leftovers? Share your go-to tip for the chance to win a $500 grocery gift card: https://bit.ly/4sshkPU

What kind of car seat do we need? How do I install it? Many parents have questions about how to make sure their child is properly secured.

Wondering when your kids should see an eye doctor? Optometrists recommend eye exams at: -6 months old -2 to 3 years old -Every year after age 3 Routine eye exams help protect vision as children grow and learn. Eye exams are covered by OHIP in Ontario for ages 0 to 19.

Last year, we saw a high volume of young children get very sick with the flu. Protect your little ones this flu season with the flu vaccine. Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu for more information

Starting today, October 26, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalization from respiratory viruses.

Respiratory viruses continue to circulate in our community. While COVID-19 and RSV activity remain low, flu season has started. We have also seen a recent increase in hospitalizations due to influenza, especially among adults aged 65 and older, who are at higher risk of severe illness.

Due to a power outage at the Bayshore Community Building, vaccination services and the Parenting in Ottawa drop-in at the Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub will be closed October 23, 2026.

When infection prevention works, the impact can be easy to miss. Outbreaks are prevented. Risks are reduced. During Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Week, we're recognizing the everyday actions that help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Flu activity is rising earlier than usual in Ottawa. In her recent CBC interview, your Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Laura Bourns talks about individuals who are at greater risk this season of respiratory illness related complications and why vaccination remains important.

Today, we celebrate Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators Appreciation Day! Thank you for the care and dedication you bring to children and families every day. From inspiring curiosity to providing comfort and a safe place to grow, your impact goes above and beyond 💜

We are reminding residents to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV this fall. Please read the PSA here: https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/ottawa-public-health-reminds-residents-get-vaccinated-against-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-fall

There’s more to a meal than what’s on the plate. We call this “Food Work”. It involves many hidden tasks, from planning meals and grocery shopping to cooking and cleaning up. These daily activities take time, energy, skills, money, and resources.

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.

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.

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: find.optom.on.ca

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.

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.

Did you know Ottawa Public Health offers drop-ins for breastfeeding/chestfeeding and parenting support for parents of children from birth to 6 years. Connect with lactation consultants and get answers to your questions: calendars.ottawapublichealth.ca/PIODropIns/W...

Breastfeeding Committee For Canada | Baby Friendly Initiative@bccbfi.bsky.social · 4w ago

Every family, every choice, every culture: we support you. The Baby-Friendly Initiative supports all families by ensuring consistent evidence-based support in perinatal care. Learn more: breastfeedingcanada.ca National Breastfeeding Week = October 1st to 7th #BreastfeedingWeek #NBW2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 7, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Avenue) for the 2026 Aging Well in Ottawa Fall Health Fair.

We know many of you are starting to think about respiratory illness season, so we're back with weekly updates to share what we're seeing. Our Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides up-to-date information on local influenza, COVID-19 and RSV activity trends in our community.

Tomorrow, on September 30th, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families, communities and stories.

A lot of us might be sharing misinformation and not knowing it. We're asking people to pause and reflect before sharing information they see online." - Dr. Trevor Arnason As misinformation and disinformation continue to spread and evolve, identifying credible information can be challenging.

Want fewer blacklegged ticks around your home? You may not be able to get rid of ticks completely, but you can lower the risk in your yard. Keep your grass short, clear away brush and fallen leaves, and store firewood neatly off the ground and away from your home.

Bonnes célébrations du Jour des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes! Célébrons, honorons et soulignons les contributions des francophones. À cette occasion, nous avons parlé avec trois membres du personnel d’#OttVille de ce que le français représente pour eux. Info : https://bit.ly/4ykZmRG

Happy Franco-Ontarian Day! Let’s celebrate, honour and recognize the many contributions made by the Francophone community. To mark the occasion, we spoke with three #OttCity employees about what French means to them. More: https://bit.ly/4hPtYE3

It's been 1 year since Outdoor Play Canada launched the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. Active outdoor play supports children’s physical, mental and social well-being by encouraging movement and providing opportunities to explore and learn through play.

DYK: Vaccinations given by your child’s health care provider are not automatically shared with us. Parents and caregivers need to update us after vaccinations are given. You can update us online by visiting: www.ParentingInOttawa.ca/ReportingImmunizations

Free Dental Screening Clinic Coming to Richmond! @ottawapublichealth.ca, in partnership with the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, is offering a free dental screening clinic for residents of all ages on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.