Although the recent weather has been more conducive to summer than fall, that hasn't put a halt to the annual scheduling for flu shots in the Sun Country Health Region.
The inoculations to prevent the influenza viruses are recommended for everyone and especially for those who are considered to be the higher risk categories. That would include seniors, those who are severely obese, children from six to 23 months of age, expectant mothers, those who work with these people or in health-care facilities and essential community services.
The flu shots at St. Joseph's Hospital begin on Tuesday Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. and continue through to 7 p.m. They resume on Monday Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 again. The schedule is then posted from Oct. 20 on through to Dec. 13 for various days and times.
In October the follow-up dates are Oct. 22 and Oct. 26 starting at 10 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively.
In November, the flu shots at St. Joseph's are slated for Nov. 1, noon hour then on Nov. 9 they begin at noon and go through to 6 p.m. The shots are available again on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The November 23 and 30 schedule is from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Dec. 13 session begins at 3 p.m. as well.
Additional locations where the flu shots will be administered include Yardley Place where they will be dispensed on Oct. 13 from 9 to 10 o'clock in the morning; Trinity Tower on Oct. 19 at 9 to 10 o'clock and Valley view Heritage Place that same day from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30.
The nurses will next be at Midtown Manor on Oct. 14 for an hour, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and at Creighton Lodge on Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 in the morning. The visit to Inglis Court will be on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and Sussex Arms on Oct. 13 from 11:30 to 12:30.
In the immediate region, flu shots are available in Bienfait at the regional library on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and in Torquay at the 60 and Over Club on Oct. 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
In Lampman the dates are Oct. 12 and 28. On the 12th the shots are dispensed from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
On the 28th they are given from noon to 1:30 p.m. On both occasions the site will be the Prairie Lily Club.
In Midale the flu shots will be available at Mainprize Manor Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The flu shots are available in Alameda on Oct. 14 at the Alameda Merrymakers club from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Alida schedule is Oct. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Golden Gate Seniors' Centre and in Arcola the Golden West facility plays host to two flu shot sessions, one on Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and the other on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11a.m.
All clinics are drop-in situations. Watch for posters outlining times and dates throughout the community and at various public locations. All these influenza inoculations are free of charge.
