Residents are urged to protect themselves as respiratory virus activity will be heightened this fall and winter.
The Delta Division of Family Practice, in partnership with the City of Delta, community pharmacists, community physicians and Public Health, will hold flu vaccination clinics for residents of Ladner and Tsawwassen at the Harris Barn (4140 Arthur Dr., Ladner) on Thursday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 28.
The clinics take place from between noon and 6 p.m.
Dr. Tiara Rodriguez Nunez, who practices in Ladner, told the Optimist a flu shot is especially important as COVID-19 variants are also around, increasing the severity of illness if someone catches both. It can be especially dangerous for the very young and the elderly.
If you can prevent getting the flu in the first place, the vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent it, as well as good hand hygiene because the flu virus is transmitted through droplets. In the fall, we always worry about this and even in pre-Covid we saw a surge in flu cases, especially with vulnerable people like toddlers and babies,” she said.
“Then for the elderly, especially if they have underlining conditions, we worry about them as well, especially when they get dehydrated. The people in between, we’d like them to get vaccinated as well so they don’t transmit to these vulnerable populations,” she added.
It is recommended that children under nine years, especially those under two years, who have never received the flu vaccine should have two doses this season. Contact your local pharmacist or family physician to receive the second dose.
The upcoming vaccination clinics are for the flu only, but it is highly recommended people also book an appointment for COVID-19 when available.
Appointments for the upcoming flu clinics can be booked at southdeltafluclinics.ca or call 604-943-5591. A Care Card must be presented at the clinics.
