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![Political lawn sign](https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/news/resources/Makehealthapriority.png)
Make Health a Priority
Posted on Friday, October 07, 2022 12:10 PM
Media Release
October 7, 2022
Southwestern Public Health encourages the public to ask municipal candidates about public health prioritiesSupporting community members in understanding public health priorities and possible solutions with a municipal lens can empower voters to make informed decisions.
Municipal elections are less than a month away and the region’s local health unit is asking residents – even those who don’t consider themselves to be political – to engage local leadership candidates...
![Picture of a family enjoying thanksgiving dinner](https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/news/resources/October.png)
October is for Gathering
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2022 02:51 PM
While in the summer many of us are focused externally – gardening, day-tripping, enjoying vacation time and spending time in nature, fall brings with it a focus on home, and often on gathering with our loved ones in our homes. We’re getting cozy, our homes are filled with the smell of baking, and we’re organizing family events such as Thanksgiving dinner.
Social gathering is so important. It promotes a sense of community, safety, belonging and security. It boosts our mood and can reduce stress and...
![Exterior of SWPH building in St. Thomas, ON](https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/news/resources/St-Thomas-Building-Exterior.png)
First confirmed case of Monkeypox in SWPH region
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2022 11:09 AM
This is the first case of monkeypox confirmed in Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas
September 15, 2022 - Southwestern Public Health has confirmed the first positive case of Monkeypox in the region in an adult male.
The virus is transmissible through direct contact with lesions, respiratory secretions, or materials contaminated by the virus such as bedding. Symptoms usually develop 5 to 21 days following an exposure. Individuals are contagious for 7 to 14 days and up...
![COVID vaccine vials](https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/news/resources/Covid19-vaccine-website-image.png)
Southwestern Public Health offering bivalent COVID-19 vaccine
Posted on Monday, September 12, 2022 09:56 AM
Effective September 12 2022, the health unit moves to appointment-only format to manage supply demands
Southwestern Public Health will begin offering Moderna’s new Omicron targeting bivalent vaccine aligned with Provincial timelines announced today.
Who is eligible?
• Beginning September 12 at 8 a.m., people aged 70 and older, adult healthcare workers, First Nation Inuit and Métis adults (and their adult household members), pregnant adults, and moderately to severely immunocompromised people...
Back to School Message from Southwestern Public Health
Posted on Friday, September 02, 2022 10:02 AM
A back to school message from Southwestern Public Health's Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran.
![Picture of young girl standing in front of a chalk board that has the word Booster written on it.](https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/news/resources/5-to-11-Boosters.png)
5 - 11 Year Olds Eligible for Booster Doses
Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 02:12 PM
Media Release
August 31, 2022
Southwestern Public Health Opens Doors to 5 – 11-Year-Olds Seeking COVID-19 Booster DosesThis new eligibility follows guidance from the National Advisory on Immunization and approval from Ontario’s Ministry of Health
Starting tomorrow, September 1, 2022, Southwestern Public Health will open its doors to children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old who seek a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This expansion in eligibility follows the National Advisory Committee...