News

Sweater Weather

Autumn brings with it a predictable rhythm. The air chills, the leaves turn colour and fall, and we wrap ourselves in the coziest of our sweaters in preparation for the winter ahead.

Many of us already have the fall routine of visiting our health care team or pharmacy for a flu shot. With COVID-19 here to stay, each of us should also add a COVID-19 booster to our fall wellness schedule.

The influenza vaccine is updated each year. Scientists try to match the vaccine with the strain of flu that they...

Infection prevention and control lapse at Woodstock specialist office

Media Release

October 25, 2022

Southwestern Public Health reports infection prevention and control lapse at Woodstock based specialist office

Patients most at-risk of an infection as of the result of the lapse in IPAC practices will shortly receive a personal letter recommending testing

In September, following a complaint from the public, Southwestern Public Health conducted an inspection of the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic of Dr. D. Snider, a specialist practicing at 716 Dundas...

Changes coming to COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Oxford

Health unit to operate out of its Woodstock site and Unifor 88 in Ingersoll throughout November

COVID-19 vaccine operations are on the move in Oxford County. Beginning November 2, Southwestern Public Health will hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics four days per week at its Woodstock office, and once-per-week at Unifor 88 in Ingersoll. The sites will operate throughout November.

“We are thankful to the Oxford Auditorium team and all the organizations that provided us with space for pop-up clinics across...

Omicron-targeting boosters for ages 12 and older now available at Southwestern Public Health

Eligible residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas advised to seek a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster and a flu shot to protect against respiratory illness this fall

Over the weekend, Southwestern Public Health received a shipment of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine to target both the Omicron and original COVID-19 variants in people aged 12 and older. The new formulation from Pfizer-BioNTech was approved by Health Canada for use in booster doses for this age group.

Southwestern...

Make Health a Priority

Media Release

October 7, 2022

Southwestern Public Health encourages the public to ask municipal candidates about public health priorities

Supporting 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...

October is for Gathering

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...