Call the numbers below to hear a pre-recorded message about the availability of the vaccine, who is eligible, and how to book an appointment when it is your turn. These resources will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
ELGIN: 519-631-4125
OXFORD: 519-533-4560
TOLL FREE: 1-800-922-0096 Ext. 1444
Please note: Public Health does not keep a wait list for COVID-19 vaccinations. If you know someone who does not have access to internet, please share these phone numbers with them to stay informed.
Quick Links
- Ontario’s Three-Phase Vaccination Plan
- Current Situation in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Vaccine Videos
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers
- COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form
FIND OUT WHO IS ELIGIBLE AND BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Ontario's Three-Phase Vaccination Plan
The Government of Ontario has a three-phase vaccination plan to ensure Ontario is prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are available. Our supply will not arrive all at once, so distribution will happen in stages. The goal is for everyone in Ontario to be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination if they want one, as soon as enough doses are available from manufacturers. This may not be possible until late August or September of 2021 – depending on vaccine availability.
Learn more about Ontario’s three-phase vaccination plan.
Current Situation in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas
Learn about Southwestern Public Health's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan and watch a brief overview video.
Phase 1 Vaccinations Are Underway
The Ontario Ministry of Health, through the guidance of the provincial COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force led by Retired General Rick Hillier, directs the allocation of the vaccine. Phase 1 of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is currently underway in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas.
Southwestern Public Health is currently providing mobile COVID-19 immunization clinics to targeted groups who are eligible for the vaccine as determined by the Ministry of Health.
Phase 2 vaccinations are expected to begin in April.
find out who is eligible and book an appointment
Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Advisory Committee
Given very limited vaccine supply, a Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Advisory Committee has been formed to help inform the public health units decisions regarding further prioritization when necessary. Learn more and get the latest updates.
SWPH Vaccination Milestones
- March 3, 2021 - Local COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Set to Open Mid March
- March 1, 2021 - First Dose Vaccinations Expanded to Additional Priority Groups
- February 16, 2021 - First Dose Vaccinations Resume for Additional Priority Groups
- February 3, 2021 - First Dose Vaccinations Completed in Eligible High-Risk Retirement Homes
- January 27, 2021 – First Dose Vaccinations Completed in Eligible Long-Term Care Home Residents
- January 12, 2021 – First Long-Term Care Home Residents in the Region Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. When will I be vaccinated? |
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Vaccinations in the Southwestern Public Health region will be rolled out according to Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Vaccines will be available widely across Ontario for anyone who wants to be immunized in Phase 3. Please continue to follow our website and social media for further updates as more information becomes available. The timelines could move up and you may be able to get vaccinated sooner as more approved COVID19 vaccines are available and as manufacturers increase production of these vaccines. |
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2. Is there a waitlist for COVID-19 vaccinations? |
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No. Public Health does not keep a waitlist for COVID-19 vaccinations. When vaccines are about to become widely available, we will share the details widely with our communities. |
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3. What can I do right now to protect myself and my community? |
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Until vaccines are widely available, it is important to continue following public health measures to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19. That means:
Learn more about preventing the spread of COVID-19. |
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4. What vaccines are currently approved for use in Canada? |
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These are the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by Health Canada. Many other vaccines are in the development and review process. Learn about each of the approved vaccines, including how they work, how they are given, ingredients, allergies, possible side effects, safety monitoring and more: |
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5. How do mRNA vaccines work? |
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mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA to teach the body’s cells how to make a protein which will cause your body to have an immune response and make antibodies. These antibodies then help fight an infection if the virus which causes COVID-19 later enters the body. These vaccines do not use a live virus so they cannot give you COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. |
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6. How were COVID-19 vaccines approved so quickly? |
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COVID-19 vaccines go through the same review process that all vaccines go through to be authorized for use by Health Canada. The Federal Government of Canada dedicated scientific, financial and human resources to complete the review process for COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Learn more about Health Canada’s Vaccine Development and Approval Process. |
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7. Are COVID-19 vaccines safe? |
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Yes. Only vaccines that Health Canada determine to be safe and effective are approved for use in Canada and made available in Ontario. Learn more about vaccine safety:
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Vaccine Videos
Watch these videos to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine safety in Canada:
- Vaccine safety in Canada (Health Canada)
- Ask Ontario Doctors – COVID-19 Vaccine Facts (Ontario Medical Association)
- Vaccine Safety (Immunize Canada)
COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers
Find more COVID-19 Vaccine information and guidance on our COVID-19 Health Care Providers web page..