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Individuals at high-risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection are now eligible for vaccination, with general population vaccinations to follow on October 28
Southwestern Public has received its first shipments of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccine, and public health officials are eager to see the supply out of storage freezers and into the arms of those most vulnerable to a respiratory infection this fall.
“COVID-19 is already circulating in the community, and we can expect other respiratory viruses to soon follow as we typically see this time of year,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the health unit serving Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas. “If you have a loved one in a long-term care, retirement home, or hospital setting – urge them to get vaccinated early to prevent serious respiratory-related illnesses.”
While immunization against influenza and COVID-19 for the general population begins on October 28 in Ontario, priority populations and those at high-risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection are urged to seek vaccination as soon as possible through their healthcare provider or a pharmacy. This includes individuals over the age of 65, young children aged 6 months to 4 years old, people living and working in congregate living settings – including Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, and other priority populations such as individuals from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities. Additionally, the RSV vaccination is not available to the general population. View the complete eligibility list at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the following strategies are recommended:
- Stay home when sick
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Cover coughs with a tissue or sleeve
- Optimize indoor ventilation and air quality
- Consider wearing a well-constructed mask in indoor public settings if at a higher-risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection, or recovering from a recent illness
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