Vaccines to high-risk individuals available shortly

'It is safe and convenient to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time'

Flu shot needlesJeff Turl/BayToday

Starting mid-October, the Health Unit will offer Flu and COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk individuals as we enter another respiratory season.

Both vaccines will be available to the general public in November.

You can also receive your vaccines from participating pharmacies and primary care providers.

The Health Unit has released its community clinic schedule for those in high-risk categories, including:

Those aged 65 years and older;
Residents and staff of congregate living settings;
Pregnant women
Children aged six months to four years;
Individuals aged six months and older with underlying health conditions;
Individuals from First Nation, Inuit, or Métis communities and/or those who self-identify as such, along with their household members;
Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities;
Health care workers and first responders.

"It is safe and convenient to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time," says a news release. "Vaccination helps protect your health, reduces the risk of missed work, school, or social engagements, and safeguards those around you. It is recommended to wait six months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection before receiving your next dose."

There are multiple options for obtaining your flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year.

Participating Pharmacies: Contact your local pharmacy to book an appointment.
Primary Care Provider: Schedule an appointment directly with your provider.
Health Unit Appointments (in-office): High-risk individuals can call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 and follow the prompts for seasonal vaccines.
Community Clinics: Appointments are encouraged and can be booked online at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Walk-ins are welcome but wait times may vary.

North Bay

Sunday, Oct. 20 at Elks Lodge (325 Elks Ln.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9 at Elks Lodge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Magnetawan

Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Magnetawan Community Centre (4304 Hwy 52) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Magnetawan Community Centre from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mattawa

Tuesday, Oct. 22 upstairs at Mike Rodden Arena (450 Hurdman St.) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Mike Rodden Arena from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Parry Sound

Sunday, Oct. 27 at Charles W. Stockey Centre (2 Bay St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 17 at Charles W. Stockey Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.