Southern Health-Santé Sud will be holding seasonal Flu Clinics throughout the month of November. Annual immunization is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your friends and family from getting the flu.
In the same way that the COVID-19 vaccine is showing effectiveness in preventing or reducing COVID-19 symptoms, the flu vaccine protects you from developing the flu caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is primarily spread from person to person through close contact by coughing, sneezing or sharing food or drinks. You can also get the flu by touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. A person can infect others before, and several days after, symptoms appear. This is why washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough and getting the seasonal influenza vaccine is so important.
When you get the flu vaccine, you are protecting yourself, and those around you, against influenza. Immunization has shown to reduce the number of physician visits, hospitalizations and deaths among those at highest risk of influenza and its complications. Getting the flu shot is especially important this year as our health system is under strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Manitobans over 6 months of age are eligible for the seasonal flu shot. It’s especially recommended for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.
All people aged 65 and over are recommended to get a high-dose flu vaccine. As you age, your immune response to a vaccine weakens. The high-dose vaccine elicits a stronger, more effective immune response among older people, who are also at higher risk of complications from the flu. This vaccine will help reduce the risk of serious illness.
Where can I get Immunized?
- Access the Flu Clinics Schedule; or
- Ask your primary care provider or, for persons 7 years of age and older, visit your local pharmacy.
