The first shipment of flu vaccines have arrived at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and beginning on Tuesday, the shots are being made available to those who are considered high risk.
Dr. Colin Lee is the medical officer of health for the SMDHU and says there are two different types of shots this year for people, depending on their age.
“We have a new shot for those under 18 years of age. Normally the flu shot covers three different influenza strains, but this year we have a new one for under 18 that covers four strains. That’s extra protection for those that are more vulnerable,” he says.
The extra strain coverage is an Influenza-B strain, which affects younger people more.
Ontario is introducing a new nasal spray flu vaccine this year as an alternative to an injection in the arm.
The nasal spray, which will be available starting Oct. 26 for children aged two to 17, will also offer protection against four flu viruses.
Adults will still be given the shot in the arm that the government says will help protect against three flu viruses this year.
“In terms of vaccine coverage this year, it's going to be better. How much better we do not know,” says Lee. “We do know it can be as good as 60 per cent coverage.”
People who are considered high risk will be given priority to get the shot over the next couple of weeks. Everyone else will be able to get the shot by the end of the month.
This year, the SMDHU health unit will not be offering any public clinics this year.
With files from The Canadian Press.
