As COVID-19 activity begins to rise again across the province, public health officials in Oxford and Elgin counties are urging the region's most vulnerable to once again roll up their sleeves.
Southwestern Public Health, the health unit for the two counties, has received its first shipment of the newest COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XBB variant of the virus. The first doses of the updated vaccine are being reserved for those considered to be at a higher risk should they contract COVID-19.
"Cases are rising, outbreaks are rising, hospitalizations are rising. If you have a loved one in a long-term care, retirement home or hospital setting, please speak to their health care provider about getting them vaccinated right away," said Dr. Ninh Tran, the region's medical officer of health. "This is also true if you work in one of those settings or function as a caregiver. The time is now."
Once the health unit receives its second shipment, the new vaccine will be offered to people in the community who are over the age of 60, pregnant, or are immune suppressed. Two clinics, one at 410 Buller St. in Woodstock and the other at 1230 Talbot Street in St. Thomas, will be opened to administer the vaccine. Clinic times, dates, and booking information can be found on the health unit's website.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine was approved by Health Canada for all Canadians over the age of six months last month.
In addition to getting a booster shot, public health officials also recommend staying home when sick, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or sleeve, and frequent hand washing. Wearing a face mask when in indoor public settings is also encouraged.
COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been increasing over the past several weeks. Public Health Ontario reports between September 17 and 23 there were 2,801 confirmed cases, 209 hospitalizations, and 15 deaths related to the virus. In the area covered by Southwestern Public Health, the test positivity rate is sitting at 11.2 per cent with 23 people hospitalized last week.
