THUNDER BAY — With only three clinics under their belt so far this year, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is going strong for this year's flu shot and COVID-19 booster campaign.
Laura Dennis, the health unit's manager of the vaccine and preventable diseases program, said appointment numbers have been strong.
"We've seen just over 1,000 people come through our doors with those three clinics, and we have 500 booked [for Wednesday]," she said.
She noted that appointments are still available for those at higher risk, including seniors, pregnant individuals, Indigenous peoples, or those living with certain chronic illnesses and other factors.
Currently, the health unit only has the Moderna vaccine while they wait for the Pfizer doses to arrive. Dennis noted that the Pfizer XBB vaccines are expected to arrive in the next couple of weeks.
Dennis also noted that staffing has not been a problem for the clinic, but the health unit will continue to monitor the demand for appointments.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff was at the clinic to get his COVID-19 booster and flu shot on Wednesday.
With the health care system "taxed," Boshcoff said his personal efforts [in getting the vaccines] are in support of the community.
"Anything we can do as individuals to help the health care system is just helping and preventing people from getting sick."
Clinics will open to the general public on Oct. 30.
More details on the vaccine clinics are available through the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's website.
