Promoting Flu and COVID-19 VACCINES

Currently only 56% of Oxford County, Elgin County and City of St. Thomas residents who had their primary series have received a booster dose. Our team is also offering flu shots simultaneously, giving patients one more reason to make a quick trip to one of our main locations.

Dear Patient,

As you have heard through the local news or from your friends and family, there are many respiratory illnesses circulating in our community. These include Covid-19, influenza, and RSV. Both adults and children are becoming sick and ending up seriously ill in our local hospitals.

Both the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu shot help prevent serious illness. I encourage you to get both a flu shot and a Covid-19 booster vaccine if you have not already. If you have only had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, you need a booster. The protection decreases over time.

Southwestern Public Health has expanded its service offerings related to Covid-19 and flu vaccination and I strongly encourage you to visit them at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock or 1230 Talbot Street in St. Thomas. They will vaccinate anyone 6 months and older against Covid-19, influenza, and in some cases both.

Here is what you need to know:

  • Everyone 5+ is eligible for a Covid-19 booster. The recommended interval or time between doses is 168 days. The minimum is 84 days.

  • Everyone 5+ can safely receive a Covid-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time.

  • If this is a child's first flu shot, they will need a second one in a month’s time to complete the series. If they have had a previous flu shot, only a single dose is needed this year.

  • The clinics are open Monday – Friday from 9am – 4pm, but closed from 12  – 1 for lunch. They are closed weekends as well as December 23, 26, 27 and January 2.

  • Walk-ins are accepted at Southwestern Public Health's clinics in St. Thomas and Woodstock. If you would prefer to book an appointment, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 1-833-943-3900. 

  • Before you walk in, please double check for any clinic updates; sometimes the clinic staff take the vaccines on the road and can be found in communities other than Woodstock or St. Thomas.

  • For all dates, times, and locations for other community clinics (including the GoVaxx bus), please visit www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine

above letter provided by Southwestern Public Health

Connie Robinson