Local Health Leaders Encourage Windsor-Essex Residents to Get Vaccinated

As local healthcare leaders, we are united in our concern about the trend of respiratory illnesses in Windsor and Essex County. Relative to previous years, the seasonal flu virus is spreading more quickly and aggressively and our COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to lag behind the provincial average. Compounding these factors are systemic pressures that continue to strain our institutional capacity. As we enter flu season, and continue to experience illness and hospitalization tied to COVID-19, the importance of taking preventative measures against the spread of these illnesses cannot be overstated.

In our respective roles, we observe the impact of these illnesses on the local health care system on a daily basis. Our teams work extremely hard to care for the sick and protect the health of all – but we need your help. Today we are asking residents of this region to once again do their part to address the spread of these dangerous viruses. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and getting your annual flu shot are simple and effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 and influenza to ensure that emergency services, hospitals, urgent care centres, and other health care organizations continue to be responsive and efficient when you need them.

The flu shot is now available for Ontarians six months and older through pharmacies and healthcare providers. More information on influenza and this vaccine can be found at wechu.org/flu. For most people over the age of five, this vaccine can be administered at the same time as your next COVID-19 shot. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines or to find a clinic, please visit www.wevax.ca.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shanker Nesathurai

Acting Medical Officer of Health

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

Dr. Ken Blanchette

Chief Executive Officer

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

Bruce Krauter

Chief

Essex-Windsor EMS

David Musyj

Chief Executive Officer

Windsor Regional Hospital

Kristin Kennedy

Chief Executive Officer

Erie Shores HealthCare

Bill Marra

Chief Executive Officer

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

Dr. Wassim Saad

Chief of Staff

Windsor Regional Hospital

Dr. Andrea Steen

Chief of Staff

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

Dr. Luther Heys

Chief of Staff

Erie Shores HealthCare

Dr. Vikesh Maraj

President

Essex County Medical Society