Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines and Stay Ho-Ho-Home if Sick

News Release

Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines and Stay Ho-Ho-Home if Sick

NORTH BAY, ON - Influenza A, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating throughout the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s (Health Unit) region, with very high levels of influenza. There were 155 lab-confirmed Influenza A cases as of December 13, 2025, compared to one lab-confirmed case during the same period of time last year, making it extremely important that people use layers of protection to help prevent themselves and those around them from getting sick.

Layers of protection include: 

• When possible, stay home when you are unwell
• Receiving your flu and COVID-19 vaccines – which are safe to receive at the same time – vaccines help to reduce severe illness and the likelihood of needing hospital care
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue
• Frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces
• Being mindful of your distance from others when out in public.

If you haven’t received your flu or COVID-19 vaccine yet, you can contact a participating pharmacy to make an appointment. The Health Unit will also be hosting the following appointment-based vaccination clinics at its North Bay location, providing flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines (345 Oak St. W):

Health Unit Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Monday, December 22

North Bay Health Unit location

345 Oak St. W.

8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Book an appointment by calling 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5377

Tuesday, December 30

North Bay Health Unit location

345 Oak St. W.

8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Book an appointment by calling 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5377

Wednesday, December 31

North Bay Health Unit location

345 Oak St. W.

8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Book an appointment by calling 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5377

“The holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and a time to look out for one another’s well-being. People should consider using one or more layers of protection and staying home if they or someone they live with is unwell,” explains Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Medical Officer of Health.

“It can be difficult to decide to stay home, but exposing a child, older person, or someone who is immunocompromised to a respiratory virus could lead to a severe respiratory infection.”

Give the gift of protection and visit myhealthunit.ca for more information on the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca