Health Unit Urges Most Vulnerable to Get Vaccinated Now

Media Release

October 3, 2023

Southwestern Public Health Urges High Risk Community Members to Get Vaccinated Now

Residents, patients, caregivers and health care providers in Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, and Hospitals should be first in line for new Covid-19 vaccine

The newest formulation of the Covid-19 vaccine, targeting the XBB variant of the virus, has arrived in the Southwestern Public Health region and public health officials want it out of the storage freezers and into the arms of those most vulnerable to serious illness.

“Cases are rising, outbreaks are rising, hospitalizations are rising. If you have a loved one in a long-term care, retirement home or hospital setting, please speak to their health care provider about getting them vaccinated right away. This is also true if you work in one of those settings or function as a caregiver. The time is now,” urges Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health for the health unit serving Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.

The health unit’s first delivery of the newest vaccine formulation is reserved for the community’s most vulnerable – typically those living in congregate living settings. A second shipment is expected at any time and the health unit will then open community clinics at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock and 1230 Talbot Street St. Thomas. Public health clinics will focus on those over 60, pregnant people and individuals who are immune suppressed.    

Clinic times, dates, and locations as well as booking information can be found at www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19

In addition to getting a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the following strategies are recommended:

• Stay home when sick
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
• Wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if at higher risk of severe infection or if recovering from recent illness
• Optimize indoor ventilation and air quality

Free flu shots for the public aged six months and older will be available starting October 30 at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, some public health units, and participating pharmacies. This year, Southwestern Public Health will offer flu clinics to families with children under the age of 5 (www.swpublichealth.ca/flu). To learn more about the flu shot, visit Ontario.ca/flu.

About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

Contact for Interviews:
Megan Cornwell
Communications
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca  | 519-320-0819