THUNDER BAY -- Along with the protection from a debilitating illness, getting a flu shot relieves stress on the health-care system and protects others too, the health unit says.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit kicked off its 12th annual flu clinic campaign Monday at the Da Vinci Centre. From now until Nov. 20, four clinics every week will be held to immunize the public from the upcoming season.
Medical officer of health officer David Williams said there are plenty of ways to get a shot though.
“You can also go to your family doctor, you can go to your nurse practitioner and now there are in the Thunder Bay area 10 pharmacies who are also able to give it as well,” he said after getting his shot.
Based on what the World Health Organization has seen during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, the north could see a heavy rise in the number of influenza cases this year.
While it’s good news that last year was an exceptionally light year for flu cases, it means people can forget that the illness is out there.
“The risk is that if people are complacent and don’t get vaccinated then they will get sick and will have an impact on our healthcare system and of course on people individually and family members as well,” Williams said.
Some people may argue that they got sick after receiving the shot but Williams said that is usually a coincidental virus that the shot doesn’t protect against. Other people say they don’t have the time to get a shot. But now with more options available, the health unit is hoping the convenience will mean more people get immunized.
“We hope we can get rid of that excuse of ‘I just didn’t get around to it’,” he said.
The shot protects against three strains this year based on recommendations from WHO. But Williams said it’s never completely known what type of influenza will hit.
“The most predictable thing about influenza seasonally is that it’s unpredictable,” he said.
For a clinic schedule visit the health unit website.
