“GetaKit is designed to support individuals who may face barriers accessing traditional health care, to take control of their sexual health,” says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health. “This service offers a convenient testing option that can be delivered straight to someone’s door. GetaKit allows people to test for serious infections that are easily transmissible and can significantly impact reproductive and overall health if left untreated.”

In addition to HIV testing, GetaKit allows individuals to test for other STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C. For these tests, on-line or mail delivered requisition forms are provided by a licensed physician, ensuring proper authorization and confidentiality. The service also provides recommendations for preventive care, such as vaccinations and HIV prevention strategies. GetaKit also offers resources and support to help individuals understand their results and access appropriate care.

Residents of Simcoe Muskoka can access GetaKit by visiting www.getakit.ca. The platform offers personalized guidance to help users select the most appropriate tests based on their individual needs. Test kits are discreetly packaged to ensure privacy, and lab requisition forms can be printed, sent directly to a chosen local laboratory or delivered to a person’s address. Test results are typically available online within three to seven days. GetaKit is available to residents aged 17 and older, with HIV self-testing specifically available to those aged 18 and older.​

For more information about GetaKit and other sexual health services offered by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, visitsmdhu.org/GetAKit.

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In May, letters were mailed home to high school students born in 2008 and 2009 (entering Grades 11 and 12) whose immunization records on file at the health unit are not up to date. High school students who are still not up to date will be mailed suspension orders later this month. These school suspensions will be effective Sept. 23.

Students born in 2016 and 2017 (entering Grades 2 and 3) with missing immunizations were sent home with reminder letters from school at the end of the last school year. These students’ records will continue to be reviewed this coming school year, with suspensions to be enforced in February. Parents are encouraged to act now to ensure their children’s immunization records are up-to date before school starts this fall.

“End of summer is the perfect time to check in with your child’s health care provider,” says Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health with SMDHU. “It’s a chance to make sure they’re up to date on vaccines before the school year gets busy. Getting caught up now means one less thing to worry about in September and a safer, healthier return to school.”

Parents can check their child’s immunization record online at smdhu.org. Keep in mind that vaccines provided by health care professionals outside the health unit may not be automatically reported. To ensure your child’s record is accurate and complete, be sure to submit any missing information online or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.

Families without a health care provider can book immunization appointments at one of the health unit’s offices in Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland or Orillia.

“Routine immunizations do more than protect your child, they help keep entire classrooms and communities healthy,” says Dr. Lee. “Making sure your child is up to date gives you peace of mind and helps prevent the spread of avoidable diseases, like measles, mumps and whooping cough.

To help manage your family’s immunization records, consider using CANImmunize, a free mobile app that serves as a digital version of the traditional yellow immunization card. It helps keep everything organized and even allows you to share records directly with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information about routine immunizations or to book an appointment at a health unit clinic, visit smdhu.org/vaccines or contact the immunization team at 705-721-7520, ext. 8827 (toll-free 1-877-721-7520).

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This is the first lab-confirmed evidence of WNv in Simcoe Muskoka in 2025. As of July 25, 2025, no confirmed mosquito pools or human cases of WNv have been reported this year.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird. The risk of contracting WNv from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer and the health unit recommends the following personal protection measures:

• Use an approved mosquito repellent, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active – at dusk and dawn – when possible.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the virus may cause serious illnesses of the brain. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

The health unit continues its surveillance for the virus throughout Simcoe Muskoka.

Anyone with concerns about a sick or dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNv.

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Some people are more at risk, including babies and young children, older adults, pregnant people, people living with chronic health conditions or existing illness, people who smoke, and people who work or exercise outdoors.

You can take steps to protect your health and reduce exposure to poor air quality. Stay aware, reduce exposure to air pollution, and take care.

Stay aware. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), air quality alerts to help you make informed decisions. Remember, air quality conditions can change quickly, so check the AQHI frequently. Monitor yourself and those around you for symptoms and health effects of air pollution. Know when to seek medical attention.

Reduce exposure to air pollution. Take it easy. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities during poor air quality events. Protect your indoor air quality  and create cleaner indoor air spaces in your home (e.g., keeping windows and doors closed during times of high air pollution, if indoor temperatures are comfortable (26°C or below), use a portable or DIY air cleaner). Visit places with cleaner, cooler indoor air like libraries, and shopping malls. Contact your local municipality or visit their website for hours and the locations of cleaner indoor air spaces near you.

Take care and listen to your body. Drink lots of water, as this helps your body cope with air pollution. Stop or reduce activity levels if you are experiencing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or feeling unwell.

Poor air quality events can overlap with hot temperatures and humid air. Extreme heat is usually more dangerous than short-term exposure to poor air quality, even wildfire smoke. If you have to choose, prioritize staying cool.

For more information about outdoor air quality, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at www.smdhu.org/wildfiresmoke.  

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In June, students born in 2016 and 2017 (Grades 2 and 3) from across Simcoe Muskoka who are missing required immunizations were sent home with letters from their schools. Parents who received one of these letters are encouraged to act soon to help keep their children healthy and protected.

“Summer is a great time to book a checkup with your child’s health care provider and catch up on any missed vaccines,” says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer of health at SMDHU. “They can help you find out if your child is on track with well-child checkups and routine immunizations”.

Families who do not have a health care provider can book an immunization appointment at one of the health unit offices in Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland and Orillia.

“With summer camps and group activities just around the corner, keeping children protected against preventable diseases is more important than ever,” adds Dr. Lee. “Camps provide great experiences, but they also mean kids are in close contact with other kids, which can increase the risk of spreading illness. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases like whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis and measles.”

Parents can also check their child’s immunization record online at smdhu.org. Please note that vaccines provided by health care professionals outside the health unit may not appear on the vaccination record as they are not usually reported by health care providers.  To ensure your child’s record is accurate and up to date, don’t forget to submit any missing information. This can easily be done online at smdhu.org or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.

To help manage your family’s immunization records, consider using CANImmunize—a free mobile app that serves as a digital version of the traditional yellow card. It’s a convenient way to keep everything organized and accessible. The app offers an extra time-saving feature: you can share your records directly with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information about routine immunizations or to book an appointment at a health unit clinic, visit smdhu.org or contact the immunization team at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827 (toll-free 1-877-721-7520).

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These free, drop-in groups provide parents with a place to talk, share experiences and encourage each other during their breastfeeding experience. Public health nurses offer support and answer your questions about feeding your baby, baby care, infant sleep, developmental stages, and parenting. They also nurture parent-to-parent support and the sharing of experiences.

Although the group in Bracebridge is new, the health unit continues to offer Breastfeeding Support Groups at locations in Alliston, Barrie, Bradford and Collingwood, with most sessions running weekly.

To learn more about Breastfeeding Support Groups and other supports for parents, visit www.smdhu.org/breastfeeding.

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Parents and other caring adults play an important role in helping kids make decisions about their health. In fact, teens say their parents are the biggest influence in their lives.

“Talking to kids early and often is one of the best ways to support young people to make informed decisions and ideally prevent them from becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping,” says Dr. Lisa Simon, associate medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Vaping is not harmless. Most vaping products contain nicotine, which is the addictive component in cigarettes. Once addicted, youth who vape are three to four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes.”  

To support conversations with kids, the Not An Experiment website now features a Parent Education video available in both English(Hey, Parents Let’s Talk About Vaping) and French (Parents, parlons du vapotage). Both 12-minute, engaging videos are packed with information about what a vape is, the health effects of vaping, the industry’s influence on vaping promotion and youth vaping rates, as well as essential insights into how to talk to kids, access help to quit and where to get more information.  

By watching the video, parents and caring adults can be better prepared to start a conversation among themselves and talk with kids about vaping. Kids listen more than you think. For more information or to ask questions, visit NotAnExperiment@smdhu.org.

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School immunization nurses will visit elementary schools throughout Simcoe and Muskoka from April to June to provide immunization for Grade 7 students. Information will be sent home with students through the school in advance of school-based clinics.

Vaccination remains one of the best tools we have available to protect youth against harmful diseases before they may encounter them. The vaccines offered during the school-based clinics significantly reduce the risk of hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The HPV vaccine is important because it considerably reduces the risk of various types of cancers such as throat and cervical cancer and prevents genital warts.

The health unit recommends following Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule to stay up to date with vaccinations. Parents and caregivers should be aware that the meningococcal vaccine is required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). According to ISPA, all children and youth in elementary and secondary schools must be immunized against specific diseases unless they have a valid exemption. While the Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are not required under ISPA, they are highly recommended for added protection.

Having up-to-date immunizations helps to ensure that students have the best protection against serious vaccine preventable diseases, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools and allows the health unit to act quickly to prevent and control outbreaks.

To see the date that the health unit will be visiting your child’s school or for more information about the vaccines given in Grade 7 and the diseases they prevent, visit smdhu.org/Grade7 or call the health unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827.

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Individuals who were present at the following exposure sites on Thursday, March 27, 2025, may have been exposed to measles. 

• CIBC (23 Mapleview Dr. W., Barrie) – 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Walmart (35 Mapleview Dr. W., Barrie) – 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Fika Cannabis (33 Mapleview Dr.W., Unit C007, Barrie) – 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rexall Pharmacy (567 Essa Road, Barrie) – 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The health unit advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to go to smdhu.org/measles for more detailed information on what to do next.  The information there will include the following: 

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles which begin 7 to 21 days after exposure.
• Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of measles include:
  • Fever, runny nose, cough
  • Drowsiness, and red eyes
  • Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present.
  • Three to seven days after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and then spreads down the body.
  • One can be infectious 4 days prior and 4 days after onset of rash.

• Confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are presumed to be immune and protected. Those not protected against measles with these measures should contact their health care provider regarding vaccination.

• If you develop symptoms within 7 to 21 days after exposure:
  • Isolate immediately by staying home (do not go to school or work) and avoid contact with others, and call us at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 ext 8649 for further advice.
  • If you require urgent or emergency care, please call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital. This allows staff to prepare for your arrival and helps prevent the spread of infection.
  • Wear a well-fitting, high-quality face mask when seeking medical care.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People who get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.

The health unit is advising individuals and families to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccines and to remain watchful for symptoms even if vaccinated against measles.

For more information about measles, please visit smdhu.org/measles or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Under ISPA, health units are required to maintain vaccine records for every student attending school and enforce suspensions for incomplete vaccine information. As of today, there are 2745 outstanding records. Currently, 86 percent of Grade 4, 5 and 6 students in Simcoe Muskoka have up-to-date immunization records on file with the health unit.

To support students and families, the health unit is offering immunizations by appointment at office locations in Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst. From Feb. 3 to 5, the health unit will also accept walk-ins. For walk-in clinic hours or to schedule an appointment, please visit the health unit’s website. When a student is immunized at a health unit clinic their record is also updated and they can return to school immediately.

Students may also receive their immunization through their healthcare provider but must report this information to the health unit. Reporting immunizations can easily be done online at smdhu.org/ImmsOnline or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520.

Having up-to-date immunizations helps to ensure that students have the best protection against serious vaccine preventable diseases, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools, and allows the health unit to act quickly to prevent and control outbreaks.

For more information about routine and required vaccines given to students and the diseases they prevent, please visit smdhu.org or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

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