News

Together We're Healthier

Dear Colleagues, Friends and Community,

Following time away from the office to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, we’re firing up our computers, filling our coffee cups, and diving right back into the work of protecting and promoting health in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.

Our priorities are diverse this year – ranging from emergency preparedness to substance use prevention in youth, to child immunization. They include harm reduction, mental health...

7 Lab Confirmed cases of Influenza Identified in Region

Media Release

December 5, 2023

Seven Lab Confirmed Cases of Influenza Identified in the Southwestern Public Health Region

Over the past week, Southwestern Public Health has received notification of seven lab-confirmed cases of influenza A – the first cases of the 2023/24 season. One case was in a resident of a local Long-Term Care Home. The remaining cases were in individuals living in the community.

These confirmed cases are an indication that influenza is circulating within our community....

Dog Bite incident in Cowan Fields Park, Woodstock

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident.

The incident happened on November 29th between 5:00PM-5:30PM at the Cowan Fields Park in Woodstock.

The dog is described as brown and white in colour, believed to be an Australian Shepherd.
The dog owner is described as a man with grey hair, believed to be in his 60s - 70s, driving a newer white pickup truck. The dog owner was playing fetch with his dog in the park with a yellow-orange ball, similar in size to a tennis ball....

Dog Biting Incident in Woodstock, ON

November 21st, 2023

Southwestern Public Health Seeks Dog Involved in Biting Incident

Local health agency seeks identity of dog in order to assess it for rabies virus Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident.

The incident happened on November 14th on Parkinson Road, on the bridge over Cedar Creek.

A man was walking west on the bridge over Cedar Creek as a young boy was walking in the opposite direction with a medium sized, short haired, brown dog. The dog jumped up on...

SWPH Invites 6M + for new Covid-19 Vaccine

Media Release

October 30, 2023

Southwestern Public Health Invites Community Member 6M + for New Covid-19 Vaccine Formulation

It’s not a Hallowe’en trick! Southwestern Public Heath’s vaccination program has now opened its doors to all community members six months and older seeking the newest formulation of the Covid-19 vaccine, which targets the XBB variant of the virus.

Those seeking vaccination at a Southwestern Public Health clinic are invited to book by calling 1-833-943-3900 or booking online at covid-19...

Health Unit Urges Most Vulnerable to Get Vaccinated Now

Media Release

October 3, 2023

Southwestern Public Health Urges High Risk Community Members to Get Vaccinated Now

Residents, patients, caregivers and health care providers in Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, and Hospitals should be first in line for new Covid-19 vaccine

The newest formulation of the Covid-19 vaccine, targeting the XBB variant of the virus, has arrived in the Southwestern Public Health region and public health officials want it out of the storage freezers and into the arms of...