Photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Hofmeester.Photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Hofmeester.
Sarnia

Local health officials gearing up for flu season

Flu shots are available starting October 15 at 32 area pharmacies and at most family doctor's offices.

Lambton Public Health Supervisor Erin Courtney said they will be holding six public clinics beginning October 25.

She said new this year is a higher dose vaccine for a vulnerable age group.

"Available this year is a high dose flu zone for those who are 65 and older and that is a trivalent vaccine with three strains," said Courtney. "The 'A' strains are the ones that have the most impact typically for the older population, so the high dose vaccine that's available, it really boosts that immunity."

There were 107 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and three flu-related deaths in Sarnia-Lambton last flu season. Flu clinic schedules are posted online at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca

Residents are also reminded to continue to prevent the spread of the viruses by washing hands with soap frequently, keeping ill family members home from school or work and cleaning regularly touched surfaces like door handles and computer keyboards often.

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