Northerners are encouraged to make sure they are up to date on their influenza (flu) and COVID-19 immunizations to protect themselves, their loved ones, their communities and the health-care system during respiratory illness season. Getting immunized continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from hospitalization or serious illness.
“We encourage everyone to get their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this fall especially people at higher risk of harm from influenza and harm from COVID-19. This year’s influenza season is expected to be more severe due to less exposure in the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why it’s especially important to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Jong Kim, Chief Medical Health Officer at Northern Health.
The influenza vaccine is free and recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Many communities have Northern Health influenza clinics currently running or upcoming in the next few weeks. Influenza vaccines are also available at local pharmacies and some primary-care provider offices.
Individuals can book their influenza vaccine through the provincial Get Vaccinated system online at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-833-838-2323 (toll free). They may be able to get their influenza and COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment. Drop-in appointments for both influenza and COVID-19 may also be available for some communities.
For more information visit gov.bc.ca/fluvaccine or www.northernhealth.ca.