Manitobans encouraged to get their flu vaccine
The Manitoba government is encouraging residents to get their flu shot through its annual campaign.
On Friday, Health Minister Audrey Gordon launched this year’s flu vaccination campaign, which has been redesigned and merged with the #ProtectMB website to include all vaccinations.
The minister encouraged Manitobans to take part in winter wellness by staying active, eating healthy, reducing stress, and getting the vaccine.
“Overall health and wellness have never been more important than it is right now,” Gordon said.
“Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way Manitobans can protect themselves and each other from the flu. It means fewer people getting sick. Fewer people who miss work or school. And fewer people who need to be treated in a hospital.”
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, noted that when Manitobans stay healthy, cover their coughs, stay home when sick, and get the flu shot, they are reducing the strain on the health-care system.
He added that it is important for all eligible Manitobans six months of age and older to get immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine becomes available to them.
“The seasonal flu vaccine is another way to help stay healthy this winter,” Roussin said.
“And, of course, that helps us, it helps the people around us, the people we care about. It helps other Manitobans.”
THE CAMPAIGN
Manitoba’s 2021 flu vaccination campaign is aimed at those who are most vulnerable and their caregivers. This includes specific outreach to the health-care sector and public service.
The province provides a high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (fluzone high dose) to Manitobans aged 65 and older who meet the following requirements:
- Those who live in long-term care facilities, including chronic-care residents;
- Those who live in supportive and assisted-living housing;
- Clients in interim or transitional care beds; respite care clients; and new, unimmunized residents admitted to a long-term care facility during flu season;
- People in provincial correctional facilities, including those who are newly incarcerated or transferred from other correctional facilities;
- People receiving home care while on a waiting list for admission to a long-term care facility;
- Those living on a First Nation, or remote or isolated community; and
- Those living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude.
The province notes that the flu shot is available at public health offices, nursing stations, doctors’ offices, community clinics, and access centres.
Pharmacists can also provide the shot to anyone over the age of seven.
The Pneu-P-23 vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal disease, is offered free of charge to seniors anywhere flu vaccines are offered and can be administered at the same time.
Manitoba has started to ship vaccines to providers. It expects to receive the full provincial allotment over the next few weeks.
Anyone interested in getting their flu shot should contact providers first to ensure it is available.
Manitobans can find locations and book their flu shots online or by calling 1-844-626-8222. Many locations also accept walk-ins.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.