Journal Staff
Like turning leaves and migrating birds, flu clinics are a sure sign of fall.
Influenza is one of the most easily transmitted diseases with 63 lab-confirmed cases and three flu-related deaths here last season, Lambton Public Health says.
Starting Friday, flu vaccine will be available for high-risk people, including those 65 and older, children under 5, healthy pregnant women, aboriginal people and nursing homes residents.
Walk-in clinics, pharmacists, doctors and nurse practitioners will begin vaccinating others starting Monday, Oct. 19.
The vaccine takes about two weeks for full protection to kick and lasts four to six months, said Erin Courtney, a health unit supervisor.
"Getting the flu shot is the safest way to prevent spread of the flu and the best way to protect your loved ones.”
You can also help prevent the spread of flu by washing your hands often, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, sneezing into your sleeve and keeping common surfaces disinfected.
SARNIA CLINICS
Saturday, Oct. 24
Bluewater Health
89 Norman St.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Lambton College
1457 London Rd.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 12
Pathways Health Centre
1240 Murphy Rd.
12 noon to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Inn of the Good Shepherd
115 John St.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As well, flu shots are available at 22 pharmacies in Sarnia and Bright’s Grove. Note: Pharmacists can’t give flu vaccine to children under five.
POINT EDWARD
Lambton Public Health
160 Exmouth St.
Clinics offered:
Friday, Oct. 16 and 23,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
CORUNNA
Shots available at Hogan Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart.