Lambton Public Health (LPH) has begun its vaccine rollout ahead of flu season.
The flu shot is currently only available for high-risk individuals, while the general public will be eligible for the vaccine starting on Monday, October 27.
"We're starting to receive our flu vaccine shipments now, and so as soon as flu vaccine becomes available, people who are more vulnerable can get their vaccinations through their healthcare provider, pharmacies that are signed up to provide them, and then our Lambton Public Health vaccine clinics start around October 23rd," said Supervisor of Health Protection at Lambton Public Health, Carshenan Lai. "Anybody that's pregnant, anyone that has underlying health conditions, people who live with others that might also be at risk for flu complications are recommended to get the vaccine."
LPH offers pediatric clinics as well as mobile clinics focused on specific populations such as First Nations communities and for those who are homebound..
When it comes to whether it'll be a busy flu season, it's currently too early to tell.
"It's honestly really hard to predict," said Lai. "It's just too early to say what it's going to look like. We do monitor flu activity provincially, nationally, internationally, and sometimes people would look at what's happening in Australia to maybe predict what our flu season will look like. But more and more, we're learning that that's not actually an accurate predictor of what our flu season will look like. So honestly, we just have to wait and see what's going to happen."
People are reminded that the flu can be dangerous and even lead to hospitalizations and death for more vulnerable people. Lai said practicing good hygiene and getting the flu shot can protect both you and those around you.
"Remember to get your vaccine as soon as you can get an appointment. Our Lambton Public Health website will have all of our vaccine clinics listed. We do have more vaccine clinic availability this year than we've had in the past, and people shouldn't wait to kind of see what's happening with the flu season," said Lai.
A list of when and where you can get your flu shot can be found on the LPH website.
