Free flu shots at RRHS next week

Ken Johnston

While the weather has us thinking of anything but flu season, it is that time of the year.
Northwestern Health Unit Nurses will be busy across the region starting next week in Rainy River giving anyone who wants one a free flu shot.
The Ontario universal flu shot program continues to gain popularity. Every citizen in Ontario is entitled to a free influenza vaccination and in the Rainy River area more and more people are taking the government up on it. Last year the Northwestern Health Unit held its annual flu shot clinics in Rainy River at the local high school. On the first day 154 people received the immunization and 77 on the second day. That was a about a 21% increase over the previous year.
More people may also be taking the vaccination as they learn that one can not get sick from the vaccination. “It is made from a killed virus,” said Jasper. In other words there is no live virus in the shot. However, since it can take up to a week for exposure to the flu virus to take effect, a person who has been infected prior to getting the shot may get it and blame the shot.
In addition to the shot in the arm, people should also be vigilant with other preventative measures. “Wash your hands often,” said Jasper. “The virus can live up to 48 hours on inanimate objects,” she added. Also sneezing into one’s hands and not washing them can spread the virus when touching other objects or shaking hands with other people.
Other things people can do are also common sense measures like eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
While some people swear that the shot has given them the flu in the past, health officials say that is impossible. There are some side effects that can happen with the shot. While most do not get any, some do experience a fever or muscle aches that start shortly after receiving it. They usually only last a day or two.
People who are allergic to eggs should not get the shot as it is made using chicken eggs. Other reasons not to get it include, an allergy to Thimerosal (a preservative used in contact lens solutions and the flu vaccine); and children under the age of six months.
People who absolutely should have the vaccine include senior citizens, anyone with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, a blood disorder or a weakened immune system.
Clinics will be held at Rainy River High School Oct. 25 and 26th from 3:00-7:00 p.m.; in Bergland at McCrosson-Tovell School on Nov. 2nd from 3:00-7:00 p.m.; in Stratton at Our Lady of the Way School Tues. on Nov. 8th from 3:00-7:00 p.m.; and Wed. Nov. 9th at the Barwick Community Hall from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
After spree of public clinics, people can call their local health unit to make an appointment to receive the flu shot. Since the shot is publically funded, local health officials can not administer it to U.S. residents at this time.