News

Flu vaccines and the new updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for eligible residents

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...

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KFL&A Public Health to offer curbside pick-up services for free GetaKit HIV self-test kits

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...

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First lab confirmed cases of influenza A identified in the KFL&A region

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...

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Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus found in KFL&A

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...

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KFL&A Public Health announces closure of Sharbot Lake branch office

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...

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KFL&A Public Health issues heat warning for multiple areas in the region

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...

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Special air quality statement for the KFL&A area due to wildfire smoke

Kingston — Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the KFL&A area. High levels of air pollution will develop tonight due to smoke from forest fires over northeastern Ontario and Quebec, resulting in deteriorated air quality. Conditions may improve for some areas Friday. Air quality and visibility can fluctuate over short distances and can vary from hour to hour due to the wildfire smoke. 

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

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Updated special air quality statement for the KFL&A area

Kingston — Smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario have resulted in deteriorated air quality. Air quality may improve on Thursday before deteriorating again on Friday for the KFL&A region. Some of the Napanee area may experience poor air quality into the weekend. Air quality and visibility can fluctuate over short distances and can vary from hour to hour.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to your health even at low concentrations; however, everyone responds differently. Mild...

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Special air quality statement for the KFL&A area

Kingston — Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the KFL&A area. High levels of air pollution are expected throughout today and possibly through Tuesday due to the forest fires in Quebec. Air quality and visibility can fluctuate over short distances and can vary from hour to hour due to the wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to your health even at low concentrations; however, everyone responds differently. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and...

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Special air quality statement for Kingston, Odessa and Frontenac Islands and Napanee

Kingston — Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, and Napanee. There is a possibility of deteriorating air quality due to hot and sunny conditions which can cause increasing high levels of air in the above regions. Moderate risk air quality health index (AQHI) values are possible throughout the day, with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values this afternoon into early this evening.

The AQHI is a scale designed to help...

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