Media Releases

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) reminds the public that wearing a mask or face covering in enclosed public spaces is a requirement in Ontario. The rule is for anyone in Ontario, including visitors from places where the mandate is not in place. “At this time, most individuals in the province, whether Read more…

Anyone who booked their COVID-19 vaccine appointment using the provincial booking system must rebook their 2nd dose through the Northwestern Health Unit. The large clinics for previously scheduled second doses have been cancelled. If you were scheduled into one of the clinics below and still need your second dose, please Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) and local partners have now given over 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses in our region. This milestone comes as 78.4% of the area’s adults aged 18 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 64.1% are fully vaccinated with two doses. This Read more…

Eligibility for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has expanded. Anyone who meets the criteria below should book an appointment for their second dose, including those aged 12-17 years old. As Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) winds down their large-scale clinics, now is the time to get either your first or Read more…

Due to active forest fires in the region, some communities in Northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air this weekend. An air quality alert has been issued today for the Red Lake and Ear Falls area. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) will begin to wrap up their COVID-19 mass immunization clinics by the end of July. This gives the public a few more weeks to book either their first or second dose appointment to get vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 12 or older and Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), along with national and provincial health agenciesare closely monitoring rare reports of potential myocarditis/pericarditis (inflammation ofthe lining around the heart) following a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Most cases world-wide have occurred within several days after vaccination, and in teensand young adult males after receiving the 2nd dose Read more…

Anyone who had a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days ago is now eligible for their second dose. After seeing a lot of interest and long line-ups at some clinics last week, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) urges the public to book an appointment Read more…

As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance, the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can be interchanged for first and second doses. For second doses, the public may not receive the same brand of mRNA vaccine as their first dose, depending on supply at the local clinic. “Using Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has released its COVID-19 clinic schedule for next week. Many clinics are taking place throughout the region for 1st and 2nd doses for anyone eligible. The eligibility criteria for these clinics include 1st dose: Anyone aged 12 or older 2nd dose: Anyone born in 1951 or Read more…