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KFL&A Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit urges influenza vaccination
Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2023 11:41 AM
As influenza has been detected in the region, KFL&A Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit strongly advises getting vaccinated against the flu, with a particular emphasis on individuals under the age of five.
The flu is more than just cold-like symptoms. It can cause absences at school, work, and other gatherings. Children five years of age and under are under-recognized as a group with greater risk of sever outcomes, and it is important for parents to get their kids...
22nd Annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk or Wheel
Posted on Thursday, November 30, 2023 09:27 AM
Kingston – More than 16,000 students and staff from 53 schools in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) will take part in the 22nd annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk or Wheel. Students will be donating a non-perishable food in exchange for a jingle bell and participating in a 1 km festive fit break where they will walk, run, wheel or skip around their school or community “with bells on”. This is a partnership between KFL&A Public Health, local school boards, and local food banks to help...

Alarming increase in tooth decay among school-aged children in the KFL&A region
Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 04:04 PM
Kingston – Recent data shows a concerning increase in tooth decay among school-aged children. KFL&A Public Health’s school dental screening results from last year show that 40 per cent of children in senior kindergarten have experienced tooth decay. This is an increase of 60 per cent since 2019.
“Local dentists are seeing first-hand the dramatic increase in severe tooth decay among children and youth,” said Dr. Jennifer Archibald, pediatric dentist in Kingston. “Untreated tooth decay can...

November is Radon Action Month
Posted on Wednesday, November 01, 2023 12:37 PM
During Radon Action Month, KFL&A Public Health is encouraging all residents to test their homes for radon.
Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer. In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The best time to test your home for radon is during the winter months when windows and doors remain closed. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive.
“With winter coming, people are spending more time indoors, increasing risk of exposure to radon....

Flu vaccines and the new updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for eligible residents
Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 02:11 PM
As the winter season approaches, KFL&A Public Health emphasizes the significant importance of getting a flu and new COVID-19 vaccine, to protect yourself and loved ones. High-risk individuals are eligible now.
The flu vaccine will maximize protection against the influenza virus, which is known to cause severe illness and result in hospitalization or even death among previously healthy children, older adults, or pregnant individuals. It is also important to stay up to date with your COVID-19...
KFL&A Public Health to offer curbside pick-up services for free GetaKit HIV self-test kits
Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:17 AM
KINGSTON – KFL&A Public Health is pleased to announce its collaboration with GetaKit to offer curbside pick-up, for free HIV self-test kits for residents over 16 living in the KFL&A region. GetaKit curbside pick-up is a great option that provides low-barrier and private HIV testing which can be completed in the comfort of your home. GetaKit and KFL&A Public Health will continue to provide the convenience of kit delivery directly to your home or a location of your choice.
Locations for curbside...

First lab confirmed cases of influenza A identified in the KFL&A region
Posted on Thursday, September 07, 2023 01:46 PM
KFL&A Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2023-2024 season. The risk of influenza transmission follows the pattern of disease activity in the community, which is currently low. Influenza activity typically increases over the fall months and peaks towards the holiday season.
"Influenza vaccine is anticipated to arrive in October, with initial availability for those at high risk. The sooner a person gets immunized against influenza, the...

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus found in KFL&A
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2023 01:49 PM
Recent surveillance efforts conducted by KFL&A Public Health has found the presence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington region. Additionally, Public Health Ontario confirmed that a crow from the KFL&A region tested positive for WNV. These findings come as a result of ongoing mosquito collection and testing initiatives carried out by KFL&A Public Health, and with the support of the public and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative...

KFL&A Public Health announces closure of Sharbot Lake branch office
Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 01:33 PM
Kingston – Today, KFL&A Public Health announced the upcoming closure of its Sharbot Lake branch office, effective October 27, 2023. The closure of the Sharbot Lake branch office is a result of a comprehensive assessment and careful consideration of various factors including the transfer of the Part 8 program under the Ontario Building Code back to our municipalities, and the evolution of how our service delivery in this community has changed since the pandemic.
The closure will not impact the...

KFL&A Public Health issues heat warning for multiple areas in the region
Posted on Tuesday, July 04, 2023 10:17 AM
Kingston — Environment Canada has issued a multi-day heat warning, beginning today through to Thursday, for the City of Kingston, and Frontenac and Lennox and Addington counties. Maximum temperatures are expected to be in the high twenties to low thirties, with minimum temperatures in the high teens to low twenties, bringing little relief from the heat. Humidex values are expected to reach the high thirties to low forties. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result...