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Flu shot campaign underway
Free shots available at 13 clinics throughout the city
Winnipeg Health Region
Published Tuesday October 18, 2011
Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald was among the first to get a flu shot today, as the Winnipeg Health Region kicked off its annual influenza immunization campaign.
The minister was vaccinated at Access Downtown, 640 Main Street, one of 13 clinics located throughout the city that will offer free flu shots to the public between Oct. 18 and Oct. 25. For clinic times and locations, please click here.
Arlene Wilgosh, President & CEO of the Region, and Lori Lamont, the Region's Chief Nursing Officer, also marked the start of the campaign by getting their flu shots today.
Oswald said getting the shot not only protects herself during the flu season, but the health of those around her. "Make this a normal part of caring for yourself and your family," she said. "It's easy for everyone to do, especially since the vaccine is no charge to all Manitobans and available at flu clinics, like this one, and also at doctors' offices."
The flu shot protects against three of the most common strains of influenza that the World Health Organization expects to circulate this season.
Everyone has a good reason to get the shot," Wilgosh said. "I encourage everyone to consider one reason they don't want to get the flu and then come out to one of the public flu clinics and get a flu shot this week."
Dr. Michael Routledge, Medical Director, Population and Public Health for the Region, says people in all age groups can benefit from getting a flu shot. "There are individuals who we highly recommend to get the shot, such as those with chronic illness, seniors and young children, but because each flu season is unique and different strains of influenza may impact different age groups, we also strongly encourage everyone else to get the shot to stay healthier this season."
Call 956-SHOT for information on clinic locations and hours. You can also visit your physician or WRHA Community Area Offices to get the flu shot during and after the dates of public flu clinics. Additional information is also available at the province's seasonal flu web page at www.manitoba.ca/flu.
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Free shots available at 13 clinics throughout the city
Winnipeg Health Region
Published Tuesday October 18, 2011
Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald was among the first to get a flu shot today, as the Winnipeg Health Region kicked off its annual influenza immunization campaign.
The minister was vaccinated at Access Downtown, 640 Main Street, one of 13 clinics located throughout the city that will offer free flu shots to the public between Oct. 18 and Oct. 25. For clinic times and locations, please click here.
Arlene Wilgosh, President & CEO of the Region, and Lori Lamont, the Region's Chief Nursing Officer, also marked the start of the campaign by getting their flu shots today.
Oswald said getting the shot not only protects herself during the flu season, but the health of those around her. "Make this a normal part of caring for yourself and your family," she said. "It's easy for everyone to do, especially since the vaccine is no charge to all Manitobans and available at flu clinics, like this one, and also at doctors' offices."
The flu shot protects against three of the most common strains of influenza that the World Health Organization expects to circulate this season.
Everyone has a good reason to get the shot," Wilgosh said. "I encourage everyone to consider one reason they don't want to get the flu and then come out to one of the public flu clinics and get a flu shot this week."
Dr. Michael Routledge, Medical Director, Population and Public Health for the Region, says people in all age groups can benefit from getting a flu shot. "There are individuals who we highly recommend to get the shot, such as those with chronic illness, seniors and young children, but because each flu season is unique and different strains of influenza may impact different age groups, we also strongly encourage everyone else to get the shot to stay healthier this season."
Call 956-SHOT for information on clinic locations and hours. You can also visit your physician or WRHA Community Area Offices to get the flu shot during and after the dates of public flu clinics. Additional information is also available at the province's seasonal flu web page at www.manitoba.ca/flu.
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