October 2, 2023 - Both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines will be available starting this week for community members in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) area. The initial roll out for both vaccines will occur over October with a focus on high-risk individuals, in alignment with provincial direction. Vaccines will be available to the general population beginning at the end of October.
“It is important for everyone to stay up to date with their vaccines as we head into the fall and winter seasons, especially those who are at high risk of health-related complications and hospitalization,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “The latest vaccines cover strains that are circulating in communities and will provide protection and reduce the risk of severe illness. COVID-19 vaccination may also provide some protection against long COVID,” said Dr. DeMille.
Community members now eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccines include:
- Individuals 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Children 6 months to 4 years of age (due to influenza risk)
- Indigenous people and their household members
- Individuals 6 months of age and older with a chronic illness or underlying health condition
- Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., nursing homes, retirement homes)
- Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities
- Health care workers and first responders
How to get vaccinated in Thunder Bay:
- Book an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine at TBDHU’s Community Vaccine Clinic at the CLE grounds.
- Appointments can be booked through the Provincial Booking System.
- Individuals will be offered a flu vaccine at the same visit. In most cases, it is safe to receive both COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.
- No walk-ins accepted at this time for COVID-19 vaccines. Walk-ins for flu vaccines will only be accepted for children 6 months to 2 years of age, along with their family members and guardians.
- Information about clinic hours is available on our website at TBDHU.com/vaxclinics.
Many pharmacies will also offer both COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Health care providers may also provide flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines. Check in with your local pharmacy or health care provider on availability.
How to get vaccinated in District communities:
- Monthly COVID-19 vaccine clinics are being planned in District communities.
- Information about District clinics, including dates, times, and locations, will be posted on our website at TBDHU.com/districtvaccines.
- Appointments for District vaccine clinics can be made through the Provincial Booking System.
Check in with your health care provider or local pharmacy on COVID-19 or flu vaccine availability.
For more information:
Information on COVID-19 or flu vaccines, eligibility groups, and vaccine availability is available on our website at TBDHU.com/vaccines.
Anyone requiring booking assistance or with questions about these vaccines can call (807) 625- 5900 and press 4 in Thunder Bay, or contact their local branch office.
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For more information - Health Unit Media: news@tbdhu.com.