Southwestern Public Health encourages vaccination to prevent respiratory illnesses

Southwestern Public Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Influenza, and if eligible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially if they are at a high-risk of complications from respiratory illnesses. 

“As respiratory viruses begin to circulate across Elgin, Oxford, and the City of St. Thomas, it’s important we take steps to protect ourselves and those around us,” says Colleen Brett, Program Manager at Southwestern Public Health. “Vaccination, staying home when sick, and practicing good hand hygiene are simple but effective ways to reduce the spread of illness in our community.” 

Certain populations and individuals who are at a high-risk of complications from respiratory illnesses are eligible and encouraged to receive their COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations now.  The general public can receive these vaccinations starting October 27, 2025. Talk to your healthcare provider or a participating pharmacy to get vaccinated. 
 
Select high-risk groups are also eligible to receive RSV immunization. Adults aged 75 years and older, who have never received a dose of RSV before, can request RSV immunization through their primary care provider as part of the province’s recent expansion of the adult RSV prevention program. For full RSV eligibility, visit swpublichealth.ca/RSV. 

Southwestern Public Health will not be hosting community clinics this fall, but will have limited appointments available for: 

Appointments are required and can be booked online at swpublichealth.ca/booking. 

Additional Prevention Tips 

“This respiratory season, we all have a role to play in reducing the spread of illness,” adds Brett, “Being prepared by being protected is the first step to staying healthy this fall."