COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Recommended high-risk populations for COVID-19 immunization (Spring 2025):

• An additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for previously vaccinated individuals who have completed their primary series and are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection including:
• • Adults 65 years of age and older
    -NACI recommends that those 80 years and older should receive an additional dose of vaccine while while those 65 to 79 years of age may receive an additional dose of the vaccine
  • Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
  • Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
  • Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older
• Doses for high-risk populations are recommended to be received between April 2025 and June 2025, but can be received up until August 31st
• Due to the ongoing measles outbreak in our community. SWPH has limited appointments available ONLY for moderately to severely immunocompromised children aged 6 to 4 years who can't access a pharmacy. Please have your HCP or specialist contact us to make a referral at 1-800-922-0096, ext. 1407 (St. Thomas/ Elgin) or ext. 3514 (Woodstock).
  
  For all other individuals who are eligible for an additional spring dose and have not had a COVID-19 infection or dose within the last 6 months, you can only get a COVID-19 vaccine through:

• Pharmacies:
  Find a pharmacy offering COVID-19 vaccines (Call ahead to ensure availability)

• Primary Care Providers:
  Contact your doctor or nurse practitioner to check if they offer the vaccine

Individuals who are not considered high-risk are not eligible to receive dose(s) in the spring, even if you did not receive a dose in the fall. You can be vaccinated during the next annual COVID-19 vaccine program (i.e. fall 2025/2026) to ensure optimal protection against circulating strains.

What’s the current COVID-19 situation in our community?

You can track local COVID-19 and respiratory illness trends for Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas by checking the Respiratory Illness Activity Dashboard.

Preparing for your vaccination

Checklist for your appointment

• Wear a face covering at all times

• Wear short sleeves for easy access to your upper arm

• Bring your health card and ID

Feeling nervous?

If you're nervous about needles, the CARD (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) system can help. Our clinic staff will support you to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

What happens during your vaccination?

• Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the clinic

• Parking is free

• Follow public health guidelines: wear a mask, sanitize your hands, and practice physical distancing. A mask will be provided if needed

• Recovery period: Stay for 5 to 15 minutes after your shot

• Washrooms are available on-site

Need assistance?

If you need help with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive concerns, please bring a support person with you.

After your vaccination

Common side effects

You may experience:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Chills or fever

These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Serious side effects

Serious reactions are rare. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

COVID-19 vaccine information for children and youth

Why vaccinate children and youth?

• Children can still get sick, spread COVID-19, or experience long-term effects

• Children with underlying conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness

Consent for children under 12

A parent or legal guardian must provide consent at the appointment

Resources

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children & Youth Factsheet (Ontario)

• My Comfort Plan (Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre)

• Health Canada Vaccine Safety Information

COVID-19 FAQs

Is the vaccine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes. Check these resources for more information:

• Health Canada

• Dalhousie University

Need help talking to your child about vaccination?

• UNICEF Tips for Talking to Children

• Health Canada’s Guidance for Vaccination Discussions

Questions?

• Contact your child’s primary care provider

COVID-19 illness and testing

Do I have COVID-19?

Use the Self-Assessment Tool to check your symptoms.

Where can I get tested?

• PCR testing is limited. Find PCR testing locations (call ahead to confirm availability)

• For antivirals like Paxlovid, consult your primary care provider or pharmacist

Preventing COVID-19

Key prevention tips

• Get all recommended vaccine doses

• Wash your hands frequently

• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces, especially if you’re at higher risk

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces

Masking benefits

• Protects others by containing your respiratory particles

• Protects you by reducing particles you inhale

Read more about masking from Public Health Ontario

Treatment for COVID-19

Antiviral treatment (Paxlovid)

If you’re at high risk (65+ or immunocompromised) and test positive, seek treatment within 5 days of symptoms starting.

Check your eligibility with the COVID-19 Antiviral Screener Tool

If symptoms worsen

Seek immediate medical care if your symptoms become severe.

Additional resources

• Respiratory Virus Dashboard for Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas

• Public Health Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool

• COVID-19 information for health care providers

For more information, call Health811 by calling 8-1-1.