WRHA launches annual COVID, flu vaccination campaign as respiratory virus season nears

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority formally kicks off its annual vaccination campaign this week, urging residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and influenza ahead of the respiratory virus season, which typically begins in November.

Dr. Bunmi Fatoye, medical officer of health for the Winnipeg health region, emphasized that it’s important for Winnipeggers to get vaccinated now — ahead of the season’s start — because it takes about two weeks to mount an immune response and become protected.

“We’re going into the festive season, where we gather for social events, family events, and it’s very important that we protect ourselves and protect the community that we live and we work and we play in,” said Fatoye, speaking inside Young United Church, where families and seniors began gathering Tuesday afternoon for a vaccine clinic in the West Broadway neighbourhood put on by Acorn Family Place.

“I strongly recommend: get out there, get vaccinated. Go with your loved ones. If you are an employer, get your employees vaccinated. We want everyone to have a good holiday season.”

Vaccines are available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, as well as through vaccine clinics, which are being held in a variety of locations across the city in the coming months. They are open to anyone. (Appointments at these clinics can be booked online or by calling 1-844-626-8222, but walk-ins are also available; a list of upcoming clinics is available at wrha.mb.ca/flu-covid-19-immunizations).

Speaking to reporters, Fatoye answered some of the questions Winnipeggers might have about COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

As for eligibility, anyone six months and older, without a medical contraindication, can get the vaccines, she said. And while higher-risk groups, including pregnant people, seniors and those with chronic health conditions, are being urged to get vaccinated, the doses are available for anyone who wants them.

Fatoye emphasized that in Manitoba, the vaccines are free of cost.

And when asked whether someone without a health card can be vaccinated, Fatoye answered with an emphatic “yes.”

“Show up at any vaccine clinic, you will be vaccinated. We don’t turn anybody away,” she said.

Fatoye noted that there is a “good match” this year between the influenza virus in circulation and the vaccine that’s available.

And with respect to COVID-19, Fatoye that said even if someone suspects they may have had an infection in the last few months — but was not tested — she would still recommend getting the updated vaccine.

The goal of Tuesday’s vaccine clinic was to make vaccination more accessible, said Carey Richards, the executive director of Acorn Family Place, which provides services and resources to caregivers and parents of young children.

“There’s a lot of folks who come and access services here, who might have a lot of barriers to health care — (not having a) health card being one — and so this is one of the ways folks can still get vaccinated without needing to have their health card,” Richards said.

marsha.mcleod@freepress.mb.ca