Flu and COVID shots should be available by next month.

Sandra Krikke is the acting Infectious Diseases Manager for the Northwestern Heath Unit and initially they are providing the vaccines for people considered most at risk.

“Starting the week of October 10th, that’s for the high risk population,” explains Krikke.

“They have to meet the high risk criteria and for the general public vaccines will start to be available on October 30th.”

Krikke points out they will have both shots available.

“Flu and COVID and they are safe to get at the same time and it is recommended to get them as early as you can,  not to put it off, because it does take up to two weeks to take effect.”

Krikke says the high risk category includes doctors, nurses, police, first responders and anyone living in a long term care setting.

Krikke adds there have been a few confirmed cases of COVID in the area in recent weeks.

“There’s been a slight increase.  We’re still lower than the provincial average so the other jurisdictions are definitely higher than our rates here in Northwestern Health Unit’s catchment area.”

She says it’s still too soon to tell if it will be an active year for flu and COVID cases in the region.