Southern Health launches flu campaign with 52 clinics as season begins

Southern Health-Sante Sud has launched its fall flu-shot campaign, with 52 clinics planned, as influenza season begins. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Davinder Singh says cases are low but could rise. Shots are strongly recommended for children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, care-home residents, Indigenous people and those with chronic heart or lung conditions; all Manitobans over six months are eligible. Uptake is falling: 15 per cent of children under five were immunized last year, down from 30 per cent a few years earlier. Early lab signals point to H1N1 this winter.

Flu season hits care homes, clinics and hospitals first, and frontline workers face higher exposure while also fielding vaccine questions from patients and families. Knowing the clinic rollout and priority groups helps staff protect vulnerable patients and answer those questions.