Tuesday, November 19, 2024
London Health Sciences Centre
Middlesex-London Health Unit and London Health Sciences Centre Encourage Vaccinations Ahead of Holiday Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Middlesex-London Health Unit
(MLHU) and London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) are encouraging members of the
community to get vaccinated for common respiratory illnesses.
“We know that influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are all circulating in our community and that their vaccinations are safe and effective at preventing emergency department visits and
hospitalizations,” says Dr. Kevin Chan, Vice President of Medicine (CME), Research and
Academics at London Health Sciences Centre. “We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to receive these vaccinations to book an appointment through a pharmacy, their primary care provider, or a walk-in clinic. LHSC is offering the paediatric and maternal RSV immunization and our Children’s Hospital hosts a unique vaccination clinic for children and youth who need extra support.”
Vaccinations are currently available for Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Information regarding eligibility criteria is listed below. For most people, the benefits of receiving these vaccines significantly outweigh the risks, and in many cases, the vaccines can be given together.
“The vaccines designed to protect us from serious respiratory illness are free, in good supply and easy to access,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health for the Middlesex-London Heath Unit. “We’d like to see residents of all ages, but particularly those considered high-risk for severe illness, protected before we begin our seasonal gatherings.”
There have been more than 250 respiratory illness-related hospitalizations among adults and children in the region since the season began roughly 12 weeks ago. This number is expected to continue increasing through the fall and winter.
Available Vaccines at a Glance
Influenza (flu)
The Influenza (flu) vaccine is available for people six months and older. It is being administered in local primary care provider offices, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, long-term care and retirement homes. Certain individuals may be eligible to receive theirs through the MLHU’s Immunization Clinic.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine is available for people six months and older. It is being administered in pharmacies, local primary care provider offices, walk-in clinics, long-term care and retirement homes. Certain individuals may be eligible to receive theirs through the MLHU’s Immunization Clinic.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The RSV immunization is available for all infants born on or after January 1, 2024, children between 12 and 24 months who are considered high risk, adults aged 60 and up who are considered high risk, and all pregnant individuals who are between 32 and 36 weeks. It is being administered in local primary care provider offices. Certain individuals may be eligible to receive theirs through the MLHU’s Immunization Clinic, LHSC’s Obstetrical/Gynecology Ambulatory Clinic and Children’s Hospital’s RSV Immunization Clinic.
Children’s Hospital at LHSC also offers a unique vaccination clinic for children and youth who need extra support not typically available in traditional health-care or community vaccination settings. The clinic administers all OHIP-funded vaccines, including those for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
Media Contacts:
Morgan Lobzun
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Middlesex-London Health Unit
media@mlhu.on.ca
Jess Brady
Communications Consultant
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500 ext 75369
jess.brady@lhsc.on.ca
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