Ontario’s chief medical officer of health says there is “a lot” of COVID-19 circulating in the province right now, and levels of both that virus and influenza are on the rise.
Doctor Kieran Moore says it looks like both viruses are set to peak over the holiday season.
Moore says just 13 per cent of the eligible population has received the updated Omicron-targeted COVID-19 vaccine, and only 40 per cent of people 65 and older.
Locally, Southwestern Public Health is encouraging residents, particularly those at highest risk of serious respiratory illness, to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and the flu before the holiday season begins.
Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health advises, “Anyone over the age of 65, people who are pregnant, children under 5, and those who are immunocompromised should protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalization by getting vaccinated very soon.”
The health unit is offering clinics at 1230 Talbot Street in St. Thomas from 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. on the following dates: Dec. 8, 11, 15, 18, 21, 28 and 29.
Appointments can be booked by phone at 1-833-943-3900 through the provincial booking centre.
Do not call Southwestern Public Health directly to book your appointment.
Appointments can be booked online at http://www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine
