Cooler weather is here and flu season is in full swing in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) and Waterloo Region Public Health will be offering both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines over the coming weeks.
“These are widely available vaccines. We are working to make them available throughout our community,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, WDG Associate Medical Officer of Health. “The fact that it’s autumn now should remind us all that this is a time of year when the risks are higher.”
Local health care providers, pharmacies, and walk-in clinics are offering vaccines for ages 6 months and older.
“I’ll get one. That’s usually the case,” Kitchener resident Taylor Deziel said. “Usually when you get sick, you don’t get sick.”
While WDG is already accepting reservations online, Waterloo Region is currently offering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to high-risk residents, and will also open vaccinations to anyone once they become available. It states that.
“I’m not planning on getting a flu shot,” Kitchener resident Lil Gardiner said. “Usually you never know.”
Dr. Tenanbaum advises residents to use caution when heading to family gatherings.
“If you or someone around you is at high risk, you may want to consider wearing a mask,” Dr. Tenanbaum says. “If you are not feeling well, it is important to stay home and not go to events.”
“We need to be aware of our situation and be aware of the risks around us, so we can make these gatherings completely safe.”
