Winnipeg's regional health authority is urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the annual respiratory illness season gets underway in Manitoba, CBC reports.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Dr. Kayan Xu, a medical officer of health with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), said the region is entering its yearly period of elevated respiratory infections, according to CBC.
The health authority said in a news release that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to all Manitobans, and that everyone aged six months and older is encouraged to receive them, CBC reports.
Why it matters
Respiratory viruses circulate more widely in the fall and winter, and the WRHA says vaccination lowers the risk of serious illness. According to CBC, Xu said immunization protects both individuals and the wider community, and is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes.
The health authority noted that while some people who catch a respiratory virus have no symptoms or only mild ones, others — including pregnant people and those aged 65 and older — may become severely ill, require hospitalization or die, CBC reports.
Who is eligible for which vaccine
Flu and COVID-19 shots are open to everyone six months of age and older in Manitoba, according to the health authority's release cited by CBC.
RSV eligibility is narrower. The WRHA said people aged 80 and older can receive one lifetime dose of the RSV vaccine, CBC reports. A dose is also available to people aged 60 to 79 who live in certain congregate settings, and to infants going through their first RSV season. Anyone who has already been vaccinated against RSV does not need further doses, the health authority said.
Where to get vaccinated
Shots can be obtained at immunization clinics run at Access Centres throughout Winnipeg, according to CBC. Vaccines are also offered at pharmacies, doctors' offices and walk-in clinics.
The health authority is asking people to get immunized early in the season, before the viruses spread more widely. Xu also advised handwashing and staying home when unwell, CBC reports.
The WRHA explained that respiratory viruses travel in small droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and can also be picked up by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
The health authority's advice comes as Manitoba heads into its usual autumn rise in infections. Residents can check with local clinics, pharmacies or Access Centres for vaccine availability; watch for further updates from the WRHA as the season progresses.
