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Fanshawe College is sharing this information on behalf of the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) for the benefit of students and employees.
Middlesex-London Health Unit encourages vaccinations ahead of the 2025 holiday season.
With the holiday season approaching, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is encouraging members of the community to get vaccinated for common respiratory illnesses.
"Travel, being active, pursuing hobbies, time with friends and family – immunization against respiratory illnesses helps keep you doing the things that you love to do," says Dr. Joanne Kearon, Middlesex-London’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. "You can protect yourself against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19, influenza and RSV. Vaccination remains the best protection against these illnesses."
Vaccinations are currently available for Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For most people, the benefits of receiving these vaccines significantly outweigh the risks, and in many cases, the vaccines can be given together.
"The sooner you get immunized the sooner you’ll enjoy that protection against the viruses that are circulating. Outbreaks in residential settings are rising, and our hospital partners are seeing an increase in Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations," encourages Kearon. "I urge everyone – but especially adults 65 and older – to get protected as soon as possible."
Influenza (flu)
Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is a virus that spreads easily from person to person through droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle ache and chills and can be mild or severe.
The Influenza (flu) vaccine is available for people six months and older. It is being administered in local primary care/ health care provider (doctor's) 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
COVID-19, also known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 20, 2020. Since that time, it has impacted nearly every country and led to more than 7 million deaths. There are now vaccines that reduce the severity of infection, preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Many of COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory viruses.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available for people six months and older. It is being administered in pharmacies, local primary care/ health care provider (doctor's) 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)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people. However, it can be serious for certain groups, including older adults, young children, people with weak immune systems, those with lung or heart problems, and premature babies.
The RSV immunization is available for adults 75 years and older, infants from birth up to four years old, adults aged 60 and up who are considered high risk, and all pregnant people who are between 32 and 36 weeks. It is being administered in local primary care/ health care provider (doctor's) offices. Certain individuals may be eligible to receive theirs in hospital or through the MLHU's Immunization Clinic, LHSC's Obstetrical/Gynecology Ambulatory Clinic and Children's Hospital's RSV Immunization Clinic.
Children and youth
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.
About Middlesex-London Health Unit
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is an integral part of the local health system, dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of nearly half a million residents in London and Middlesex County. We deliver important programs and services that focus on prevention, improving health outcomes, and address pressing health needs of our community.
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