News

Southwestern Public Health Expands Second Dose Eligibility Due to Large Moderna Shipment

June 15, 2021

The Ministry of Health has informed Southwestern Public Health to expect upwards of 14,000 doses of the mRNA Moderna vaccine next week. As a result, the health unit is expanding its local eligibility to offer earlier second doses to more people.

Beginning June 16th at 8 a.m., individuals who had a first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 9th can book an earlier second dose, in addition to...

Media Release

May 7, 2021

Southwestern Public Health Launches “Same Day” Vaccination List

To ensure no COVID-19 vaccine doses are wasted, local public health unit opens list for same day appointments.

Today, Southwestern Public Health launched a Same Day Vaccination List to gather names of individuals eligible for the vaccine who can get themselves to a clinic quickly when doses are available.

“We know this vaccine is a precious resource and we aim to never waste a dose. Occasionally we have appointment...

One year later: A series of inspiring stories from Public Health during a pandemic 

How a pandemic shaped SWPH as an organization and the women behind the change

On March 23, 2020, exactly one year ago today, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Southwestern Public Health region.

Dr. Joyce Lock and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia St. John are leading the emergency response in the COVID-19 pandemic at Southwestern Public Health. These two incredible women share the role of Incident...

“My family got COVID-19”

Breaking the stigma associated with the Coronavirus  

Samantha Fox is not ashamed to say she had COVID-19.

“I am comfortable saying we did have COVID-19, and we did everything right, and it still happened.”

But the Southwestern Public Health manager didn’t always feel that way. Fox admits that when she, her husband and toddler all tested positive for the virus early in the pandemic, she hid it from her coworkers.

“I didn’t tell anyone at work for a while because...

mRNA Vaccines: effective, safe and interchangeable
A Message from Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health

The National Advisory on Immunization (NACI), the organization that advises the Public Health Agency of Canada, has endorsed the interchangeability of the mRNA vaccines based on current scientific evidence and their expert opinion.

The interchangeability of Pfizer and Moderna means that you can receive one vaccine product for your first dose and a different vaccine product for your second dose....

Media Release

June 10, 2021

Ontario to Move to Step One of Roadmap to Reopen on June 11

Based on provincewide vaccination rates and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators, the Ontario Government announced it will move the province into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.

“Thanks to the sacrifices made by all of you, the Ontario Government is moving the province into Step One of its Reopening Plan several days ahead of schedule,”...