Winnipeggers urged to get flu, COVID-19 vaccines this fall

Winnipeggers are being encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 as respiratory virus infections begin to increase in the fall.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) says getting immunized early in the season – before viruses begin circulating – can also help reduce strain on the city’s health-care system.

Health officials say it takes two weeks after receiving the vaccine for the body to develop a strong immune response.

The WRHA especially recommends the flu and COVID vaccines to anyone at higher risk of infection or severe disease – people 65 years and older; care home residents; pregnant women; Indigenous people; and those with chronic health conditions – along with their caregivers and close contacts.

Vaccines against respiratory viruses are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, Access Centers or WRHA’s Walk-In Connected Care clinics.