Back to Search
News
April 12, 2023
Southwestern Public Health offering spring Covid-19 boosters to those most vulnerable to Covid-19 infection
High-risk groups welcome at health unit vaccination clinics if it has been at least six months (168 days) since their last dose.
Following recommendations from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Southwestern Public Health invites those most vulnerable to severe Covid-19 infection for a spring booster.
“We’re still in a pandemic and Covid-19 remains a threat to the health of all of us – but particularly those who are elderly or immunocompromised, among a few other groups,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health.
“There are a lot of people living with the long-term effects of Covid-19 infection. It is still your best option to avoid getting sick altogether. Socializing in well-ventilated areas, wearing a mask in crowded spaces, and asking loved ones not to visit with you if they are feeling unwell, remain important. Regular vaccination will keep your immune system primed, and lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization,” adds Tran.
Booster doses are only being offered to the following individuals, and only if it has been 168+ days since their previous Covid-19 dose:
- Individuals aged 65 years and older;
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges, and other congregate living settings for seniors;
- Individuals aged 18 years and older living in a congregate care setting for people with complex medical care needs;
- Pregnant individuals;
- Individuals aged 18 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; and
- Individuals aged 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 55 years and older.
Appointments are available Mondays and Fridays at 1230 Talbot Street in St. Thomas and Wednesdays at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock. Appointments are required and can made by calling 1-833-943-3900 or booking online at https://www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
Many local pharmacies also offer Covid-19 boosters.
Public Health Ontario’s March 21, 2023 “Recommendations: High-risk Spring 2023 Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Program in Ontario,” states that across jurisdictions including the United States, Nordic countries and the United Kingdom, bivalent vaccine boosters are protecting those aged 50 and older against hospitalization and death.
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contacts
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-320-0819
communications@swpublichealth.ca
Subscribe