Southwestern Public Health encourages residents to prepare for respiratory season through vaccination and prevention

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and, if eligible, RSV to help protect themselves, their families and the community this respiratory season. 

Each year, influenza alone results in approximately 12,000 hospitalizations across Canada. Respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can cause serious illness, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions. 

"Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you," says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health, SWPH. "As we enter an early respiratory virus season, we encourage residents to make a plan to get vaccinated and take advantage of the protection these vaccines offer." 

SWPH will offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics this fall at its offices in St. Thomas and Woodstock, as well as select community locations throughout the region. In accordance with provincial direction, adults 65 years and older, pregnant individuals, residents and staff of congregate living settings, health-care workers, and other high-risk and priority populations can begin booking appointments at SWPH clinics starting October 19. Appointments are required and booking will be open to the general public on October 26. 

Residents can book an appointment online at swpublichealth.ca/booking or by calling 1-800-922-0096. Flu vaccines are also available through participating pharmacies and health-care providers. COVID-19 vaccines are available through pharmacies.  

SWPH has also re-launched its seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard, providing up-to-date local information on respiratory virus activity, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV trends in the region. The dashboard helps residents stay informed and make decisions to protect themselves and their families throughout the respiratory season, and supports surveillance for respiratory activity in the region. 

In addition to vaccination, residents can help reduce the spread of respiratory illness by: 

"By getting vaccinated and taking a few precautions, we can help protect those most vulnerable to serious respiratory illness and reduce the spread of infections in our community this fall and winter," adds Tran.