The Thunder Bay District Health Unit will be offering the following flu shot clinics for children under 5 and their families:
Date
Location
Tuesday, October 22, 9 am-1 pm
Waabogonee EarlyON, 1000 Huron Ave (in Vance Chapman School)
Monday, October 28, 12-4pm
Mary JL Black Public Library, 901 Edward St. South
Tuesday, November 5, 12-4pm
Waverly Public Library, 285 Red River Road
Thursday, November 7, 2-6pm
Sherbrooke EarlyON, 110 Sherbrooke St (in Sherbrooke School)
Thursday, November 28, 1-5pm
Our Kids Count, 704 McKenzie St
Tuesday, December 3, 12-2:30pm
Our Lady of Charity EarlyON, 370 County Blvd (in Our Lady of Charity School)
Monday, December 9, 12-4pm
Algonquin EarlyON, 160 Algonquin Ave South (in Algonquin School)
An Ontario health card is not needed. Clinics are scent safe so please do not wear scented or fragrant products. Please wear short sleeves.
Children under 16 need the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Flu shot is also available from a health care provider (physician, nurse, nurse practitioner). Pharmacists can only immunize children 5 years and older.
District Communities
In the district communities, individuals are encouraged to visit their health care provider or their local pharmacy to receive a flu shot. Branch office nurses will be working with community partners to support immunization efforts targeting those considered high risk for flu complications. Contact your local branch office for more information.
Influenza, or more commonly known as "the flu," is a serious, acute respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia. It is caused by a virus.
Immunization helps strengthen your body's natural immune response against the flu. The flu shot stimulates your immune system to build antibodies against the virus, making it stronger and ready to fight off the flu.
Information regarding flu immunization clinics for the 2019-2020 flu season will be available on this page as of October 7, 2019.
Pharmacies
Visit a pharmacy to get your flu shot. Pharmacists can only immunize children ages 5 and older and an Ontario Health Card is needed.
*Note that Fluzone High-Dose for seniors 65+ is not available in pharmacies; it is available only through health care providers (i.e. physicians and nurse practitioners) and other settings like long-term care homes and hospitals.
Health Care Providers
Visit your healthcare provider to get your flu shot. Health care providers can immunize anyone 6 months of age or older. A health card is needed.
The flu vaccine is available to everyone over the age of 6 months. It is recommended that everyone who is able to gets their flu shot.
However, there are some who are strongly recommended to get a flu shot:
those who are at a higher risk for complications;
anyone who cares for someone who is at higher risk for complications.
Health care workers in hospitals and other care facilities
People who live with or take care of someone who is at high risk from complications (see the above list)
People who live with or take care of a newborn under 6 months as these infants are too young to get the flu shot
People who live with someone expecting a newborn during flu season
People who give care to children less than 59 months (e.g. 5 years)
Kids need the flu shot too!! Here are 5 reasons why:
The flu can make kids really sick with complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
The flu shot gives developing immune systems a boost by teaching the body to fight the flu.
No missed work or school; sick kids have to stay home.
Protecting your child also protects others at higher risk, especially babies and grandparents.
The flu shot is closely monitored in Canada and has an excellent safety record.
Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) – information on high risk groups, vaccine products, vaccines for specific age groups, product availability/timing, storage, ordering, reporting and reimbursement details
