The Vancouver Island Health Authority is offering a number of flu vaccination clinics this month in Courtenay and Comox.
The vaccine protects against viruses that cause influenza but not against other viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach flu.
The flu vaccine is provided free to the following:
• Seniors 65 and older and their caregivers;
• Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts;
• Health care workers;
• Emergency responders;
• Children aged six to 23 months, their household contacts and caregivers;
• Pregnant women in their third trimester during flu season;
• Nursing home and care facility residents;
• Owners and operators of poultry farms;
• Aboriginal people;
• Those with a body mass index of 40 or more;
• Corrections officers and inmates;
• Those who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high-risk persons, such as crews on ships.
Flu vaccine clinics are being offered Nov. 21 and 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay. There is an evening clinic Nov. 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Clinics will also be held at the Comox Recreation Centre on Nov. 9 and 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., Nov. 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Those eligible for a free vaccine are asked to bring their Care Card.