You can still get a flu shot at a free public clinic in the upper North Thompson Valley.
One will be held at the Blue River Health Centre on Monday, Nov. 7, 1-2:30 p.m. Another will be held at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1-5 p.m.
The flu shot is free for:
• People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts
• People of any age in residential care facilities
• Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
• Children and adolescents (six months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Aspirin (ASA), and their household contacts
• Children and adults who are morbidly obese
• Aboriginal people
• All children six to 59 months of age
• Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children from birth to 59 months of age
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season and their household contacts
• Visitors to hospitals, health centres and residential care facilities
• People who work with live poultry
• Health-care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications
• People who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high-risk persons
• People who provide essential community services (first responders, corrections workers).
Many doctor’s offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics also provide flu shots. Those who are not eligible for the free vaccine will be required to pay a fee.
Interior Health also reminds the public that visitors are required to have had a flu shot or wear a mask when visiting patients in Interior Health or its contracted facilities during the influenza season. By following this policy, you will help to protect the people you are visiting from getting a potentially serious illness.