Flu shot best protection against influenza, says health unit

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is reminding residents that flu season is on the way, and the best way to protect against influenza is to get the vaccine. Tuesday, Oct. 21 is the first day of flu clinics in the region.

The health unit says there are more places to get the vaccine this year, including area physician offices, community and walk-in clinics, as well as pharmacies.

Last year, some clinics briefly ran out of the vaccine.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, a public health physician, said the health unit and various clinics do not want to order too much vaccine at one time.

"We need to store our vaccine in a very protected environment," he said.  "We don't want to make our vaccine go to waste. That's why we want to order the supply we will use and then replenish the stocks as it's needed."

Although there's no way to predict how many will get the flu shot, Ahmed said news of the Ebola outbreak may prompt more people to roll up their sleeves.

"We can anticipate that people may want to get their flu shot because of their interest in the current health topics around the world," he said. "If they're reading everything about Ebola and seeing something about influenza it may catch their attention."

Doctors are warning residents that people older than 65 years, infants between six and 59 months, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions should get the shot because they are the most vulnerable.

The first clinic of the season will be held at the Health Unit at 1005 Ouellette Avenue between 3 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 21.

Other dates include:

• Oct. 23: Vollmer Complex, LaSalle 4-8 p.m.
• Oct. 27: Place Concorde, Windsor 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Oct 29: Knights of Columbus, Emeryville 4-8p.m.
• Nov. 5: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Windsor 4-8p.m.
• Nov 12: Leamington Kinsmen 4-8p.m.
• Nov. 21: Place Concorde, Windsor 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.