Community flu shot clinics hosted by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit have started and will run most weekdays until mid-December throughout Windsor-Essex County.

Every year, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit dispenses about 162 000 doses of the flu vaccine to doctors and health agencies in our community. The Health Unit nurses give over 11 000 shots to the public every year. This means that a little more than half of the population of Windsor-Essex County gets the flu shot. While this may sound pretty good, it’s not enough. Some people don’t think they need a flu shot, but anyone can get the flu. Health Canada (2005) estimates 10 to 25% of Canadians get the flu each year.

Dr. Allen Heimann, Medical Officer of Health for Windsor and Essex County, reminds residents that “getting the flu shot every year can help prevent the infection, reduce the severity of the illness and possibly save a life.”

This week the vaccine will be distributed to doctors and high-risk facilities. This includes residents and staff of long-term care, retirement/nursing homes and staff in hospitals.

In Ontario, the flu vaccine is available FREE at community flu clinics, walk-in medical clinics, or your family doctor. People who work, live, or study in Ontario are eligible for the free flu shot.

For more information and the clinic schedules visit www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/flu