MLHU opens COVID-19 and flu shots to general population

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is offering the latest COVID-19 vaccination, along with influenza shots, to everyone six months of age and older starting Monday.

The Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant COVID-19 vaccine, along with the seasonal influenza vaccine, is now available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices and the MLHU’s Western Fair vaccination clinic.

Wastewater data from London shows that COVID-19 levels jumped in September and have remained elevated since the start of October, said Christopher DeGroot, the lead investigator for the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program.

“The levels are sitting at a relatively constant level for the past couple of samples,” DeGroot said. “So it’s difficult to tell if it’s going to level off or if it’s going to proceed to go up.”

DeGroot added that the elevated levels are specifically of the Omicron subvariant of COVID-19 called EG.5 — nicknamed Eris — though the new COVID-19 vaccine will work for it.

“Don’t delay your protection — take proactive steps to protect your health this respiratory season,” said the MLHU in a statement. “The MLHU encourages you to get vaccinated at the earliest available opportunity.”

“Stay on top of washing your hands and stay home if you’re sick,” said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the associate medical officer at the MLHU. “Consider what sort of social settings you want to be in and when you should be wearing a mask, such as in crowded indoor settings.”

The health unit began offering the latest COVID-19 vaccination to high-risk individuals and health-care workers on Oct. 6.

The move to open vaccinations to the general public comes on the guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Health Minister Sylvia Jones said both shots are available for free and it’s safe to get them at the same time.

Londoner Marjorie Ratcliffe did just that and encourages others to follow suit.

“We know that COVID is out there and it’s responsible to get the injection and be protected but also to protect other people,” Ratcliffe said.

“It doesn’t hurt, it just takes a few minutes and you’re done.”

New COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were approved by Health Canada earlier this fall and are designed to target the XBB COVID-19 variant. Pharmacists are also reminding the public that vaccines take about two weeks before they’re fully active.

“The Western Fair vaccination clinic is booked up till the end of November at this point,” added Dr. Kearon. “So it seems like there is high demand for the vaccine.”

How to get your shots:

• Pharmacies: Residents can contact their local pharmacy to confirm vaccine availability and to book an appointment. A list of participating pharmacies is available on the Ontario government’s website.
• Local healthcare provider: Check with your family doctor if they are offering the vaccines and make an appointment.
• The Western Fair vaccination clinic: The MLHU recommends booking an appointment online or by calling 226-289- 3560, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The health unit said the influenza vaccine is not guaranteed to be available at the Western Fair clinic.