SWPH Preparing for Upcoming Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

Picture of a senior man rolling up his sleeve to receive a vaccine

Media Release

September 15, 2023

Southwestern Public Health Preparing for Upcoming Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

A new Covid-19 vaccine offering enhanced protection will soon arrive in our region.

With the arrival of cooler weather and the “cold and flu” season, Southwestern Public Health wants the community to know that the newest Covid-19 vaccine is on its way to the region.

“We’ve started to get questions and we want you to know that it’s coming!” says Jaime Fletcher, Program Manager of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, and the health unit’s Chief Nursing Officer. “There is a newly formulated vaccine that targets XBB, the most widely circulating variant. The majority of our first shipment will be administered to high risk populations, such as those living in Long-Term Care Homes.”

As more vaccine becomes available, the health unit will host vaccination clinics at its 410 Buller Street (Woodstock) and 1230 Talbot Street (St. Thomas) locations for eligible individuals at highest risk of health complications as determined by the Ministry of Health. Clinic times, dates, and locations as well as booking information will be posted at www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19 . Covid-19 vaccination will also be available at some pharmacies and primary care offices.

In addition to getting a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the following strategies are recommended:

Staying home when sick
Washing your hands regularly
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
Wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if at higher risk of severe infection
Access testing and treatment if you're sick and at higher risk of severe infection
Optimizing indoor ventilation and air quality

Also starting this month, influenza vaccine (flu shots) will be available for the most vulnerable high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals, hospital staff, and residents and staff in long-term care homes, followed by those in retirement homes and other congregate settings.

Free flu shots for the public aged six months and older will be available starting October 30 at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, some public health units, and participating pharmacies. To learn more about the flu shot, visit Ontario.ca/flu.

SWPH is currently awaiting information from the Ministry of Health on availability and eligibility on the newly approved RSV vaccine.