October 22, 2008 - The Health Unit’s FREE influenza, or “flu”, clinics will begin this Thursday, October 23rd at the DaVinci Centre from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The first five clinics will be open to seniors over the age of 65 and anyone who is considered high risk.
High risk individuals include any child or adult with a chronic medical condition, (e.g. heart/lungs problems, diabetes), health care workers and emergency service workers.
Starting November 10th, flu clinics will be open to all members of the general public over the age of 1 year.
Flu vaccines WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED at the Health Unit’s regular Wednesday immunization clinic. Instead, the public is invited to visit the Evangel Church site starting Wednesday, November 19th.
At all 2008 clinics, the Health Unit will also offer the pneumococcal vaccine to those who are eligible. This vaccine provides protection against bacterial pneumonia infections. Those who should get the vaccine include all healthy individuals over the age of 65 as well as anyone of any age who is immunocompromised or has a chronic illness (e.g. heart, lung, kidney, diabetes). Only one dose of this vaccine is required in a lifetime. Those who are eligible should speak with a nurse when they arrive at the clinic.
The public is advised to wear short sleeves to facilitate the process. An Ontario health card is not required, but the nurses will fill in yellow Immunization Records.
A schedule of all clinic dates, times and locations can be found by clicking here.
For more information, the public can visit www.tbdhu.com/flu or call the Flu Hotline at 624-9082. Those in the District can contact their local Branch office or call toll free at 1-866-607-3337.
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