The days and nights are getting colder which means coughs, colds, and the flu.
The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) wants to keep CK residents healthy, so along with local healthcare partners, they're offering multiple ways to help prevent getting sick.
COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines, and RSV immunizations are now available to everyone and can be received through local pharmacies, MobileCare, C-K Public Health, and primary care organizations.
"As a physician, I urge everyone in our community to get vaccinated against common respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. We have already seen many healthy individuals over the past few months with persistent symptoms and prolonged illness," said Dr. Briana Yee-Providence, a family physician and Physician Co-Chair with CKOHT. "Vaccines are the best way to protect you from illness and keep our community and loved ones healthy."
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) prepares for an uptick in emergency department visits every seasonal illness period as viruses and other illnesses circulate throughout the community. During this time, wait times for non-emergency cases increase and hospitals' bed capacity are pushed beyond their limits.
According to CKOHT, staying healthy through vaccination helps relieve strain on local hospitals.
Different vaccines are available at different locations. Click here to find out what's available where.