Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines arrive in the Southeast this week
Health officials in Southern Health-Sante Sud are rolling out a series of flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the southeast. The early-season clinics begin this Wednesday and are designed to protect families, seniors, and people at higher risk as the winter season approaches. Dr. Mahmoud Khodaveisi, the Medical Officer of Health for the region, emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce hospitalizations and serious illness from both influenza and COVID-19.
Clinic schedule by location and timings
Highlights include a mix of community centers and public spaces to improve accessibility. In Steinbach, four clinics will be held at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre on October 27 and 29, and November 5 and 12, with operations running from 3 pm to 7 pm for each session. Other Southeast locations hosting clinics through late November include Ste. Anne, Sanford, Ste. Agathe, Morris, and many towns across the region.
Key dates to know
- Ste. Anne: October 15-16
- Lorette: October 21
- Dominion City: October 22
- Vita: October 22
- Niverville: October 27
- Steinbach (Pat Porter Active Living Centre): October 27, 29; November 5, 12
- Richer: October 29
- Sprague: October 30
- St. Pierre: October 30
- St. Adolphe: November 3
- Grunthal: November 4
- Ile des Chenes: November 5
- Landmark: November 10
- Ste. Agathe: November 18
Each clinic typically runs from the early afternoon into the early evening, with specific hours announced by clinic hosts. In Steinbach, sessions are scheduled from 3 pm to 7 pm, offering convenient after-school timing for families.
Who should get vaccinated?
Dr. Khodaveisi stresses that anyone six months of age and older is eligible and encouraged to receive the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine where available. He also notes that people aged 65 and older may be eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent certain forms of pneumonia and other infections. Parents and guardians are especially encouraged to bring children to vaccination clinics, as health care providers and pharmacies are also offering vaccines, though pharmacies may not immunize children.
Why now? how the vaccine matches circulating strains
Public health officials rely on global monitoring by the World Health Organization to identify which influenza strains are most likely to circulate in the coming season. The Southeast clinics align with this insight, offering vaccines that target the predicted strains. This year, the Southern Hemisphere experienced a predominance of H1N1, and Dr. Khodaveisi notes that the current prediction suggests H1N1 will be the dominant strain in many areas. The vaccine’s effectiveness is greatest when it closely matches the circulating strains, and ongoing updates to vaccines help protect those most at risk.
Safety, expectations, and timing
Dr. Khodaveisi reassures residents that vaccines are safe and free of charge in public health clinics. He also reminds the public that receiving a flu shot does not guarantee immunity from illness, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and emergency care. Immunity generally takes about two weeks to develop after vaccination, so getting the shot before peak winter months is advisable.
Public health messaging and regional goals
Immunization rates in Southern Health have historically lagged behind provincial averages. The region is stressing the importance of vaccines for both the flu and COVID-19 to protect vulnerable populations and reduce strain on healthcare services. By offering a broad schedule across multiple communities, health officials hope to improve access and uptake, particularly among families with children and older adults.
What residents should do next
Residents are encouraged to check local clinic listings, bring health cards if possible, and consult with their healthcare providers if they have questions about eligibility or timing. For more information, contact a local health care provider or visit Southern Health’s official channels to confirm exact clinic locations and hours for the upcoming dates.
