Photo: H. Souza unsplash.com
Renfrew County District Health Unit (RCDHU) advises that getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and the people around you from getting the flu. The flu shot also lowers your risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia. Free flu shots are available for all Ontario residents over six months of age. RCDHU has published its calendar of Flu Clinics running from October 29 to November 29 throughout the county.
Two clinics are scheduled for Barry’s Bay:
- Monday, November 5, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. (by appointment only) at
St. Francis Memorial Hospital – 7 St. Francis Drive. To book an appointment, please call 1-800-267-1097 ext. 666. - Monday, November 26, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at The Royal Canadian Legion – 250 John St.
One clinic will be held in Killaloe:
- Tuesday, November 27, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Killaloe Lions Club – 40 Lake St.
For more information, including other clinics scheduled, call 613-735-8666, or click HERE to visit Renfrew County District Health Unit website.
Why get a flu shot?
According to a recent CBC report, Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) uses information from the World Health Organization (WHO) to help inform its recommendations on the vaccine to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The data those agencies reviewed indicate that the 2018-19 flu vaccine is likely to be more effective than last year’s.
Health Canada says influenza-related complications during a normal season send about 12,000 Canadians to hospital and kill 3,500. Even if you are willing to take the risk of getting the flu, officials urge vaccination to protect more vulnerable people around you. PHAC considers the following people at high-risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization:
- Pregnant women;
- Adults and children with chronic health conditions;
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities;
- People 65 years of age and older;
- Children younger than 60 months of age;
- Indigenous peoples.
Note: We have corrected the date of the Flu Clinic at the Barry’s Bay Legion in this article. The Current apologizes for any confusion.
CBC News (Oct 19, 2018) Health officials believe they have a better vaccine match for this year’s expected flu strains [Online report]
