News

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...

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...

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...

Media Release

August 31, 2022

Southwestern Public Health Opens Doors to 5 – 11-Year-Olds Seeking COVID-19 Booster Doses

This 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...