New COVID vaccine and flu shots now available to eligible groups in London, Ont.

The new COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots are now available to high-risk populations and will soon be accessible to everyone in the London region.

Starting Friday, some Londoners can book an appointment at the Western Fair vaccination clinic for the Moderna vaccine targeting the XBB subvariant of COVID-19. The vaccine will also be available through primary healthcare providers and pharmacies.

People living in St. Thomas, Woodstock and other parts of Oxford and Elgin counties can make appointments with Southwestern Public Health starting Oct. 11. 

Middlesex-London Health Unit expects a severe flu season

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Dr. Joanne Kearon, the associate medical officer at the MLHU, says flu shots will be available at clinics and pharmacies, along with with COVID-19 vaccines.

The eligibility criteria for the first group of vaccine recipients includes:

• Residents and staff of congregate living settings, including retirement homes
• Pregnant individuals 
• Individuals 65 years of age and older 
• All children 6 months to 4 years of age [influenza risk] 
• Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members 
• Individuals 6 months of age and older with underlying health conditions per NACI (Influenza & COVID-19)
• Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities 
• Health care workers and first responders

Dr. Joanne Kearon, associate medical officer at the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU), said the science indicates it will be a severe flu season. 

"It's going to be a more severe respiratory season for all respiratory viruses for both influenza, as well as COVID-19," said Dr. Kearon. "With that said, we are not expecting it to be as severe as it was last year."

Flu shots are also being made available for the high-risk populations. Both vaccines will be available to everyone else in approximately three to four weeks, according to Dr. Kearon.

Last week, hospitals in London revised masking rules making them mandatory for all staff in direct contact with patients. 

While still voluntary for patients and visitors, the London Health Sciences Centre recommends wearing them in clinical areas. St. Joseph's recommends patients and visitors put on a mask in urgent care, waiting rooms, and other settings when in direct contact with health care workers.

Appointments to get the updated COVID vaccine at the Western Fair clinic, next to the casino, can be booked at covidvaccinelm.ca or over the phone by calling 226-289-3560.