THUNDER BAY — City pharmacies and other health care providers are now offering vaccinations against the flu for the general public.
These service providers received their vaccine supplies later than the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which started flu shot clinics for families with children under the age of five on Oct. 22.
For children between six months and four years old, the shot can only be administered by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
The flu can cause serious complications such as pneumonia.
A 2018 Canadian study found that people are also six times more likely to suffer a heart attack in the week after getting the flu.
Last flu season, there were 275 flu-related deaths in Ontario, and over 5,000 hospitalizations.
Among the groups most vulnerable to complications are young children, pregnant women and individuals over 65.
It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to reach its full effect.
