
Health Minister Sharon Blady (right) receives the flu shot on Friday, October 9, 2015. (GRACE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION / TWITTER)
WINNIPEG — Free flu shot clinics will begin operating on October 21, protecting against four different influenza viruses this year.
The province and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority launched the 2015 influenza immunization campaign on Friday.
“The flu is preventable, and we are encouraging Manitobans to get immunized and benefit from the increased protection offered by this year’s new flu vaccine,” Health Minister Sharon Blady said.
Blady said the new quadrivalent vaccine available this year includes an additional B virus to offer greater protection.
The flu shot is recommended for anyone:
* seniors age 65 or older,
* residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities,
* children age six months to five years,
* those with chronic illness,
* pregnant women,
* health-care workers and first responders,
* individuals of Indigenous ancestry,
* people who are severely overweight or obese, and
* as determined by primary health-care providers.
Locations where you can get your shot are listed on the province’s website.