The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is holding fewer flu shot clinics this year as more pharmacies offer vaccinations.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed says about 180 pharamacies in the area are on board with the vaccination initiative and hopes that will make it more attractive for people to roll up their sleeves.
"Everyone needs a flu shot," says Dr. Ahmed. "Anyone who is above the age of six months and older, they should get their flu shot. More specifically, people who are vulnerable and may develop long-term consequences, they should get their flu shot."
Dr. Ahmed says health officials are doing their best to improve on the roughly 35% vaccination rate seen last year.
"We are doing our campaign, we are reaching out to the media, the ministry is also running a campaign to create more awareness about influenza. We want to work with our hospitals and healthcare providers so they're on board and they're offering the vaccine, especially to those people who need it the most," says Dr. Ahmed.
This year's flu vaccine includes the H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B strains.
The health unit is offering four clinics this year, the first on October 29 at the health unit's office on Ouellette St. That's down from the seven clincs the health unit hosted last year. However, Dr. Ahmed stresses the health unit will host additional clinics if there's strong enough demand.
