News

Southwestern Public Health hosts respiratory vaccination clinics

Beginning today, Southwestern Public Health has expanded its respiratory vaccination clinics to welcome the general public in-line with Ontario’s respiratory vaccination rollout schedule.

“Over the past two weeks, the first shipments of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines have been delivered to local health care providers, hospitals, and congregate settings,” says Colleen Brett, Manager of COVID-19 Response at Southwestern Public Health. “The health sector has been focused on getting doses in arms...

Board of Health endorses request for SWPH to influence alcohol risk-reduction policies

Health unit to request public health involvement in provincial and municipal social responsibility work to reduce alcohol-related harms

Southwestern Public Health has received endorsement from its Board of Health to pursue additional efforts to collaborate with the province and municipalities in reducing alcohol-related harms.

A motion was presented to the Board of Health on October 24 asking for support for Southwestern Public Health to send a letter to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry...

Dog bite incident in Woodstock, ON on October 20th

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident.

The incident happened on Sunday, October 20th around 2:00 p.m. at the Henry Street dog park in Woodstock.

 The animal owner was trying to put her dog on a leash, and it bit the victim in the arm. The dog is described as large brown/tan/grey, possibly an Australian shepherd cross. The animal owner is described as a female between her 50 and 60’s with long dark hair and wearing a dark/medium coloured jacket and pants.  

Public Health...

Protect kids from cannabis edibles this Halloween

Southwestern Public Health urges caution with cannabis edibles that may resemble Halloween treats

With Halloween approaching, Southwestern Public Health is reminding the community to keep edible cannabis products out of reach of children – especially if they are packaged or shaped to resemble Halloween treats.

“Edible cannabis products often look like regular food items, making it difficult for children to distinguish between the two,” says Kelly Vanderhoeven, a Public Health Nurse at...

Dog bite incident in St. Thomas on October 20th

Southwestern Public Health is seeking help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident in St. Thomas this week.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at 12:10 p.m. at Fore Golfers Only, located at 43765 Talbot Line, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7.

Two gentlemen were at the golf range with two dogs, a Labrador and a Pitbull, both tied to a bench. As another individual approached the bench, the Pitbull bit him. The owner of the Pitbull is described as a male, approximately 50-60 years old.

Southwestern Public Health urges vaccination this respiratory season

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...