A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt., Nov.18, 2004. It’s official. Flu season is in full swing in many parts of Canada. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Toby Talbot)
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is preparing to open 12 public flu shot clinics across the city on Wednesday.
The annual flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, children between six months and five-years-old, seniors over the age of 65, those with a chronic illness, health-care workers or first responders, individuals of aboriginal ancestry, and people who are severely overweight or obese.
“Although last year’s vaccine proved to be a weaker match to one of the strains that was circulating, it’s still important to receive the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Bunmi Fatoye, medical officer of health with the WRHA.
The WRHA says people can increase their odds of avoiding the flu by washing their hands as much as possible and avoiding touching their eyes or nose with unwashed hands.
A list of free clinic locations are available on the WRHA’s website or by calling (204) 956-SHOT. The clinics run until Saturday, October 24.
