Health units begin flu and COVID vaccine campaign

Sudbury's health unit is the latest to announce that a vaccine rollout is under way to help reduce the risk of people contacting COVID, the flu, and other respiratory viruses this fall.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is planning a vaccination campaign that will begin later this month using the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

They will be given to seniors over the age of 65, people living or working in congregate settings, people who are pregnant, kids aged sixmonths to four years old, people from First Nations, Inuit or Mtis communities, people with underlying medical conditions, and health-care workers.

On Oct.28, they will be available to everyone.

"Lung infections are one of the top fivecauses of death in our community," said Dr. Mustafa Hirji of Public Health Sudbury and Districts, in a news release.

"As we spend more time indoors due to colder weather, and gather with family and friends over several holidays, the viruses that cause cold, flu, and COVID-19 spread easily through the air causing illness. Getting our fall vaccines every year is the most important step we can take to protect family, friends, and loved ones who are at greater risk."

People are encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccineappointments through pharmacies and health care providers as soon as they are eligible. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time.