Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics Kick Off Across the Southeast
Seasonal flu clinics, alongside COVID-19 vaccination efforts, are officially underway across the southeast. Dr. Mahmoud Khodaveisi, Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Sante Sud, confirmed that the first clinics in his region begin this Wednesday, with locations in Ste. Anne and Sanford. The season’s final clinics are slated for November 18 in Ste. Agathe and Morris, signaling a busy rollout for communities throughout the area.
Where and When You Can Get Vaccinated
In Steinbach, residents have four chances to receive both their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. All Steinbach clinics will be held at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, with sessions scheduled on October 27, 29, and November 5 and 12, each running from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Outside Steinbach, the southeast list of clinic sites expands to Ste. Anne, Lorette, Dominion City, Vita, Niverville, Richer, Sprague, St. Pierre, St. Adolphe, Grunthal, Ile des Chênes, Landmark, Ste. Agathe, and more, with various dates in late October through mid-November.
Dr. Khodaveisi emphasized that vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and older and that families with children are strongly encouraged to participate. While health-care providers and pharmacies also offer flu shots, he cautioned that pharmacies do not immunize children, so parents should plan accordingly for younger patients.
Eligibility, Vaccines, and Public Health Messages
Beyond the annual flu vaccination, the program also includes the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Khodaveisi noted that pneumococcal vaccination may be recommended for people 65 and older, depending on individual health circumstances. For personalized guidance on what vaccines you should receive, he advised speaking with a health-care provider.
Officials in public health are closely watching influenza trends. Each year, the World Health Organization monitors global activity to identify the most likely circulating strains, guiding vaccine composition. Dr. Khodaveisi highlighted that the Southern Hemisphere’s recent season was dominated by H1N1, and this year’s predictions suggest H1N1 will be a primary strain in circulation. He explained that vaccines often align more closely with H1N1 than with H3N2, which can influence effectiveness in any given season.
Why Vaccination Matters
Dr. Khodaveisi reaffirmed the vaccine’s safety and purpose. He emphasized that receiving the flu shot does not guarantee immunity against all illness, but it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization, emergency visits, and severe complications—especially for high-priority groups such as young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.
Immunity takes about two weeks to develop after vaccination, so health officials recommend getting vaccinated before the winter peak. He stressed that immunizations are free and widely accessible, underscoring the value of early action to protect individuals and the broader community during flu season and ongoing COVID-19 activity.
Practical Details for Southeast Residents
For those planning to attend, a complete schedule of clinics in the southeast is available through local health authorities. The list includes dates and locations across Ste. Anne (October 15–16) and Ste. Agathe (November 18), with multiple stops in towns such as Niverville, Steinbach, Richer, Sprague, St. Adolphe, Grunthal, Ile des Chênes, and Landmark. Residents should verify the specific clinic hours and any documentation requirements ahead of their visit.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring any necessary identification or health information requested by the clinic staff. The process at most clinics is straightforward: fill out a brief form, receive the vaccine from a trained professional, and monitor for any immediate adverse reactions for a short period after injection. Families with children should plan to arrive together, ensuring adult supervision and informed consent where required.
Bottom Line
The 2024–2025 vaccination season in the southeast is shaped by a clear strategy: maximize protection by making vaccines readily accessible, encourage vaccinations for children, and provide clear guidance on eligibility and vaccine expectations. With multiple days and locations spanning October to November, residents have ample opportunities to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu and COVID-19 this season.
