The annual influenza vaccination campaign is now on in the Sudbury health unit jurisdiction.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has announced that several community clinics are being held this month, by appointment only.
The first local flu shots were available up to 4 p.m. Monday at the PHSD Elm Place location Please contact 705-522-9200, ext. 0 to book your appointment, said PHSD.
The Elm Place clinics will be available to persons aged 65 and older, to children under 5 years of age, to pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.
Clinics will be held at Elm Place every Monday in November from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. High-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines will not be available at these clinics; however, adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines may be available for those 65 years and older, dependent on availability.
"As we navigate through the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting your flu shot early is more important than ever. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your community during the flu season." said a PHSD news release.
Following are times and locations for community clinics
- Tuesday, Nov. 2: 3 to 7 p.m., Wahnapitae Community Centre
- Friday, Nov. 5: 3 to 7 p.m., Onaping Falls Lions Club, 27 Sturgeon St., Dowling
- Saturday, Nov. 6: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Onaping Falls Lions Club, Dowling
- Sunday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carmichael Arena, Bancroft Dr., Sudbury
- Tuesday, Nov. 9: 3 to 7 p.m., Lively Kinsmen Hall, Lively
- Wednesday, Nov. 10: 3 to 7 p.m., Garson Community Centre hall, at the back of the arena
- Friday, Nov. 12: 3 to 7 p.m., Carmichael Arena
- Saturday, Nov. 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley East Public Library, Hanmer
- Tuesday, Nov. 16: 3 to 7 p.m., Garson Community Centre hall
- Friday, Nov. 19: 3 to 7 p.m., Chelmsford Community Centre and Arena
- Saturday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lively Kinsmen Hall
- Sunday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carmichael Arena
- Tuesday, Nov. 23: 3 to 7 p.m., Valley East Public Library
- Thursday, Nov. 25: 3 to 7 p.m., Chelmsford Community Centre and Arena
- Friday, Nov. 26: 3 to 7 p.m., Carmichael Arena
- Saturday, Nov. 27: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wahnapitae Community Centre
PHSD advises that high-dose quadrivalent and adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines will not be available at these clinic locations listed above.
Public health also stated that the flu shot is readily available at many locations throughout the community including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Public Health Sudbury & Districts also offers the vaccine by appointment.
"Please plan to get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available since it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity against the viruses," said PHSD.
“The flu shot is safe and effective and recommended for those six months and older,” said Stacey Gilbeau, Program Director with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“The influenza vaccine is our best defense against getting and spreading the influenza virus, helping to save lives and reduce the burden on our health care system which is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
