While the world is still battling COVID-19, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is recommending everyone to get a flu shot this year as influenza season is coming up fast.
VCH announced that public health flu clinics in Richmond will start vaccinating on Oct. 22 and encourage everyone to book their appointments early.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone ages six months and older and is especially for those at risk of severe illnesses from influenza. This includes pregnant women, youth and adults with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Influenza is a virus which causes infection of the upper airway and can lead to symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and coughing – which are all similar symptoms to those of COVID-19.
“To decrease your change of needing a COVID-19 test or having to self-isolate, Vancouver Coastal Health highly recommends getting a flu shot,” said VCH in a media release.
“If there was ever a time to get a flu shot, this is the year.”
Public flu shot clinics in Richmond are by appointments only at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (main building) – 8771 Lansdowne Road.
Flu shots are also being provided by family doctors, walk-in clinics, pharmacies and primary care centres, according to VCH.
Appointments can be booked online at Richmondpublichealth.janeapp.com/ or by calling 604-233-3126.
The full list of clinic schedules can be found here Bit.ly/2GsmTvv
