Flu Shots will be Available from PHU Starting Nov. 1st

**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT MEDIA RELEASE**

The Porcupine Health Unit reminds you that it’s time to get your flu shot. Starting on Thursday, November 1, the Health Unit in Timmins will be offering daily flu clinics from Monday to Friday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., and every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

“Everyone is susceptible to getting the flu,” says Dominique Mongeon, Public Health Nurse at the Porcupine Health Unit. “Many people do not realize that influenza can lead to serious complications, certainly for those at higher risk, such as the elderly.”

New this year, the four strain influenza vaccine is available to everyone over the age of 6 months. Mongeon explains, “This vaccine provides broader protection against influenza. It consists of two influenza A virus strains and two influenza B virus strains.” Depending on their ages, children may have vaccine choices. Both nasal mist and injection vaccines protect against the four flu virus most likely to circulate during flu season. Adults will be offered the injectable vaccine.

Mongeon adds, “If you’re 65 years or older you can receive a high dose three strain vaccine or the four strain vaccine.” Although the high dose trivalent vaccine consist of only three strains, it offers higher concentrations of them. “This high dose vaccine typically means better protection for those 65 years of age and older. However, the four strain vaccine is also available and recommended for this age group,” says Mongeon.

Mongeon encourages everyone to get vaccinated. “Protect yourself and the ones you care for by getting vaccinated every year,” she says. “Make the time to get immunized either through the health unit, your health care provider or through your local pharmacy.”

The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ontario, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.