Southwestern Public Health encourages vaccination to prevent respiratory illnesses

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and, if eligible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“As respiratory viruses begin to circulate across Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas, it’s important we take steps to protect ourselves and those around us,” said 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.”

Jaime Fletcher is the health unit’s chief nursing officer, and she said the fall kicks off respiratory sickness season for public health and the community.

“We are sharing that the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available through local pharmacy partners and primary care providers to those at highest risk of severe complications from those illnesses.”

The general public, as of Monday, was also eligible for the pair of shots. Fletcher added the RSV vaccination is also available at no cost to those over the age of 75.

“RSV is a serious respiratory virus that can affect infants and those in their senior years. It can cause significant illness,” Fletcher said.

She added the symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and influenza.

“High fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and general malaise. While you might not know which respiratory illness you have, we are pleased to provide vaccinations against three of them, the ones we know can be prevented or have the impacts lessened with vaccination.”

Fletcher explained the decision to vaccinate is rooted in science and research, and the power of vaccinations has been proven. She added prevention is the key.

“It is always from a lens of prevention. Our call to action is that individuals get vaccinated ahead of respiratory season when we know these viruses can have significant impacts on individual, family and community health, as well as impact our very busy health-care system.”

The SWPH has extensive information on its vaccination program on its website and local health-care providers are also able to provide information.

“They are all well-informed about the power of vaccination and what is available in our community. We have recently launched a respiratory illness dashboard on our website where we are continuing to monitor and publicly post levels and risks associated with illnesses this season,” she added.

Southwestern Public Health will not be hosting community clinics this fall, but will have limited appointments available for COVID-19 and influenza immunization for children aged five and under only (and their guardians) and the RSV monoclonal antibody for infants who do not have a health-care provider and were born on or after April 1, 2025, or are less than eight months of age at the time of vaccination. RSV immunization for eligible older adults who do not have a health-care provider and have not had a previous dose are also available.

Appointments are required and can be booked online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking. For full RSV eligibility, visit www.swpublichealth.ca/RSV.

SWPH is also offering tips to prevent the spread of illness for those who are ill, such as staying home, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, improving indoor ventilation and wearing a mask in indoor public spaces when ill or recovering from illness.

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