PMH seasonal flu vaccine plan:

Clinics throughout November

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has launched its seasonal flu immunization campaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination clinics will operate differently than they have in the past. The first public regional clinics are scheduled for Dauphin and Glenboro Nov. 2. The PMH website (prairiemountainhealth.ca) has the complete listing of flu clinics in the region.

Check PMH Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updated messages.

Residents are also advised to watch for information in local newspapers, listen to local radio, or check out posters in or around the communities for flu clinic dates, times and locations.

Appointments required

Appointments are required to attend all regional flu clinics. The appointment process is occurring in two stages: one for Brandon clinics, the other for the rest of the PMH region.

The toll-free line for PMH rural clinics (excluding Brandon) opened Oct.14. Appointments for Brandon clinics can be made starting Nov. 1. The toll-free appointment line (1-877- 646-3888) will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Another key change involves the location of Brandon Clinics. They will be held in Brandon’s Keystone Centre —main concourse in the MNP Hall —beginning Nov. 17 and continuing until Nov. 26.

Following the fundamentals

In keeping with current safe public health practices, those attending need to bring and wear a non-medical mask (some exceptions apply), adhere to physical/social distancing measures and practice good hand hygiene including the use of hand sanitizer when they enter and leave.

People will be screened for COVID-19 on-site.

If you are unwell or feeling ill even with minor symptoms, please do not attend your flu clinic appointment.

Additional information

The seasonal influenza vaccine at PMH clinics will be available to all Manitobans at no charge. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. However, immunization is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness or complications from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.

If you are 65 years of age or older, or an individual that is at increased risk of pneumococcal infection, you may also need a pneumococcal vaccination. The vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. Please talk to your health-care provider.

Remember to bring your Manitoba Health card, your non-medical grade mask and wear short sleeves, when attending.

Socialization activities that may have been at previous clinics will not be offered this year.

If you need more information about the flu, contact your local public health office, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, or physician clinic.

For more information on the flu visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html