FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 19, 2026  LONDON, ON- Beginning Monday, October 26, 2026, COVID-19 and influenza immunizations will be available for free for everyone six months of age and older who lives in Ontario. People who are 75+ can also receive RSV immunization at no cost. Most local pharmacies will offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, while primary care providers may offer both vaccines, as well as RSV immunization for adults 75 and older. The Health Unit will offer respiratory season immunization clinics for individuals who are unable to access immunizations through their primary care provider or local pharmacy. Dr. Hugh Guan, the Health Unit’s Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health, encourages community members to consider what matters most to them and how a potentially serious respiratory infection could affect their health and daily lives. “We can protect ourselves and those around us during respiratory season,” said Guan. “Immunization reduces our risk of serious illness from COVID-19, influenza and RSV. Additional measures, such as staying home when sick, covering a cough, and hand washing, can also help prevent the spread of respiratory infections.” Guan also reminds the community that when respiratory illness numbers increase, so do emergency department visits and hospitalizations. “When we get immunized – especially when we are 65 and older or at higher risk of illness - we protect ourselves and the health care system. There is a role for each of us to play during respiratory season.” Resources: Respiratory Season Landing Page, including clinic dates and times: https://www.healthunit.com/2026-respiratory-season. COVID-19 and flu vaccine pharmacy locations: https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have issued a (Yellow) Heat Warning beginning Tuesday, September 1, and extending through to Wednesday, September 2, and possibly lasting into Thursday, September 3, 2026. A Yellow weather alert indicates that conditions are expected to pose an increased risk to health and daily activities, particularly for those who are more vulnerable to extreme heat. Heat is expected to build throughout the week, with daytime high temperatures ranging from 30°C to 32°C and overnight lows of 20°C to 23°C. Because temperatures are not expected to cool significantly overnight, the risk of heat-related illness will increase. We are encouraging community members to be prepared and take precautions, be safe and check in on family, friends, and neighbours – especially those who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. Heat Warnings are issued when one or more of the following criteria are met: Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a daytime high of 31°C or higher and a forecast low of 20°C or higher for two consecutive days, or; Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for two consecutive days, or; Environment and Climate Change Canada Forecasters anticipate that actual temperatures and humidex values in London and Middlesex County will reach the thresholds noted above. The Middlesex-London Health Unit reminds the public to take steps to stay cool and to keep hydrated during this heatwave and recommends the following tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness: Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, including coffee and cola. When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible and plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home. Avoid turning on electric lights in your home. Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels. Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity. Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat. Reduce the use of personal vehicles and unnecessary idling. Avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines. Additional Resources: For an explanation of the colour-coded weather alerts, visit the Environment Canada website. For a list of cooling resources in the City of London, including cooling centres, splash pads, park washrooms, water fountains, indoor pools and supports for individuals experiencing homelessness, visit https://london.ca/StayCool. For a list of cooling resources in Middlesex County, including cooling centres, splash pads, and pools, visit: https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations or Swimming Pool and Splash Pads | Visit Middlesex. For more information on heat-related illnesses visit: www.healthunit.com/community-safety/safety-outdoors/extreme-heat/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2026  London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, after a mosquito trap located in the City of London’s west end tested positive for West Nile Virus. It is the first mosquito trap in the area to test positive for the virus in 2026. “There has been a lot of rainfall this summer, which means there may be more mosquitoes in certain areas. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Safe Water, Tobacco Enforcement & Vector Borne Disease Coordinator with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Our team will continue its surveillance and control efforts while reminding residents throughout London and Middlesex County that West Nile virus is present in our community.” Since early May, the Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team has conducted weekly mosquito monitoring at 23 trapping sites as part of a 17-week study running through September. The Team will conduct more than 800 treatments at 185 surface water sites on public property across London and Middlesex County. Most people (80%) who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms; fewer than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill. To protect yourself from West Nile Virus: Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, pants and socks, especially at dawn and dusk. Use DEET-based insect repellent as directed. Remove standing water from around your home and yard. Change bird bath water every two days. Properly cover and maintain swimming pools. Keep rain barrels covered. To learn more about how to protect yourself and the Health Unit’s surveillance and control efforts, visit: www.healthunit.com/community-safety/safety-outdoors/mosquitoes-and-related-diseases/.