News Release: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Vaccines Available in October for High-Risk Individuals

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) will visit community hubs once again this fall to offer COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. Today, the Health Unit released their community walk-in clinic schedule for high-risk groups without a primary care provider, which include:

·       Residents and staff of congregate living settings

·       Individuals aged 65 years and older

·       Pregnant individuals

·       Children six months to four years of age

·       Individuals six months of age and older with underlying health conditions

·       Individuals from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis and their household members

·       Health care workers and first responders

The Health Unit is also offering appointments at their offices in North Bay and Parry Sound to accommodate high-risk individuals with unique needs. Individuals needing a private appointment can book online at myhealthunit.ca/clinics.

Individuals in high-risk groups will also be able to receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccines through local participating pharmacies. They may also attend a Health Unit-led clinic after October 26, when eligibility expands to include all individuals aged six months and older.

“Being up to date on vaccines offers a great layer of protection, especially for high-risk individuals as they head into winter,” says Dr. Zimbalatti, medical officer of health. “These vaccines may help them to recover from respiratory illness faster, stay engaged with their communities, and prevent serious health complications and death.”

Guidelines recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal recommend the flu shot to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, death from heart disease, and possibly from dementia, particularly for people aged 65 and older. The COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines are free for eligible individuals in Ontario and safe to receive in the same appointment.

For more information, contact the Health Unit at 705-474-1400.

To connect with a healthcare provider online, visit shn.ca/vaxfacts or Health811.

COVID-19, Flu and RSV Vaccine Clinic Schedule for High-Risk Groups:

Magnetawan

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4 - 6 p.m. at Magnetawan Community Centre, 4304 Hwy 520

This clinic is open to high-risk and non-high-risk individuals.

Mattawa

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3 - 6 p.m. at Mattawa Golden Age Club, 464 Poplar St.

North Bay

Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre, 700 Lakeshore Dr.

Parry Sound

Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Bobby Orr Community Centre, 7-17 Mary St.

Sundridge

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3 - 6 p.m. at SSJ Arena, 14 Albert St. N

Wait times at clinics may vary.

Stay up to date with the schedule at myhealthunit.ca/clinics.

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Media Inquiries:

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