Thunder Bay Flu Clinics to start in November

October 18, 2010 - The first flu clinic for the season is being held today in Geraldton. Clinics will be working their way through the District until the end of October and launching in the City on November 1st. They will continue into December (see backgrounder for clinic schedule).

Based on public feedback from last year’s H1N1 clinics, this year the TBDHU is focusing on holding clinics in larger, more comfortable sites, offering more parking and better access by public transit. Many of the City’s flu clinics are also open for extended hours and will take place in the same location on two consecutive days to make it easier for people to plan for the flu shot.

"Our goal every year is to vaccinate as many people as we can as efficiently as possible," says Darlene Binette, Manager of the Infectious Diseases Program. "We believe the venues we’ve chosen and the longer hours will help us to do that, with the added advantage of providing the public with more accommodating and convenient environments."

An electronic system is also being used at all City clinics to help the TBDHU move towards paperless registration. This card swiping system requires an Ontario driver’s license or Ontario health card, and it is optional. Anyone who visits the clinic can receive the immunization with or without identification.

"We are looking forward to this year’s changes. We will be evaluating them to be sure we’re meeting the needs of those who want to receive a flu shot, and that we’re being effective in the way we deliver the flu program," Binette adds.

This year’s flu shot will include protection against H1N1 and other strains expected to be in circulation (see backgrounder). Clinics are open to everyone and the TBDHU is encouraging people identified as high risk (see backgrounder) to get a flu shot as soon as possible. The province has identified 3 other groups who are given special consideration for the flu shot since they experienced higher rates of hospitalization and more severe health outcomes during 2009’s H1N1 pandemic. They include: those who are morbidly obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40; Aboriginal peoples; and healthy children 2 to 4 years of age.

In addition to the TBDHU, the flu shot is available from family doctors, health clinics, health centres, and nurse practitioners and may be available at some neighbourhood retailers, pharmacies, and workplaces.

For more information about the flu or for a flu schedule, visit thunderbayflu.ca or call the flu line at 624-9082 and toll-free at 1-866-607-3337.

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