THUNDER BAY — Ontario health officials will be happy if the uptake for flu vaccine this year is as good as it's been for COVID-19 vaccine.
The Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Dr. Janet DeMille notes that the flu virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, just as COVID-19 can.
TBDHU is now urging everyone in the city and district to get vaccinated against influenza.
Cases of the flu are beginning to show up in Canada.
The vaccine is available through health care providers and at area pharmacies.
To support families with children under the age of two, from now until Nov. 12 the TBDHU will offer flu vaccine to children aged 6 to 23 months and to their family members at the CLE Coliseum building.
No appointments are required.
Clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The COVID-19 vaccine will also continue to be provided at the CLE Coliseum as usual.
Throughout November and December, the TBDHU will offer the flu vaccine at that location to anyone getting the COVID-19 vaccine, at the same time.
"Flu can be a serious disease, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths every year in Ontario," DeMille said in a statement Tuesday.
"It's more complicated this year with COVID-19, as both are significant illnesses. The combined impact could also put considerable strain on the health care system," she said.
DeMille added that for both illnesses, vaccines are proven to reduce infections and to reduce serious outcomes.
The TBDHU is also planning other community flu clinics for children 6 to 23 months and their families.
Dates and locations will be updated online.
DeMille said it's particularly important for people at higher risk of complications from the flu, as well as for those who live with them, to get immunized at the earliest opportunity.
