Free flu vaccines are available for the general public.
Southwestern Public Health announced on Monday that it has confirmed the first lab-verified case of Influenza A for the 2025 season, marking the official start of flu season in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.
Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health, urges residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, noting influenza can lead to serious complications, especially for high-risk individuals. “You can also help protect your loved ones by staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, and covering coughs and sneezes,” Dr. Tran added.
Free flu vaccines are available for the general public at healthcare providers and participating pharmacies, with limited appointments for children aged five and under available online. Since October 6, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines have been available for high-risk groups and priority populations, with broader eligibility as of October 27.
Influenza and pneumonia remain among Canada’s top ten leading causes of death, causing approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths nationwide each year. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
For more information about influenza, vaccinations, and local respiratory illness trends, visit the Ministry of Health website or Southwestern Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Activity Dashboard.
