Sarnia-Lambton residents are being given greater access to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines as the fall immunization campaign gets underway this month.
The shots are being made available at primary care offices and participating pharmacies.
A list of Sarnia-Lambton locations can be found by clicking here.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karalyn Dueck said the respiratory virus season typically runs from November to March each year.
She said those in long term care homes and hospitals were eligible for the immunizations as of early October.
"Mid-October, other high-risk individuals such as very young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, those in or from First Nations communities and first responders will see the next batch," said Dr. Dueck. "As of October 28, the general public will be able to access seasonal respiratory vaccines."
Dr. Dueck recommends staying home when you're sick, and wearing a mask until 10 days after you experience symptoms.
Practice good hand hygiene, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, optimize indoor air quality, and spend time outdoors if possible.
Dr. Dueck said immunizations are important tools in the fight against respiratory illness.
"We had a lot of practice and attention around the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic on these layers of protection," she said. "This year, the Ministry of Health has expanded RSV vaccines. Last year, they had special eligibility for older adults for RSV vaccines. This year it's again for older adults and then a new RSV immunization, which is a monoclonal antibody for infants."
Lambton Public Health's pediatric clinics will be offered beginning October 17, and a mobile clinic will also launch to serve First Nation communities and homebound individuals.
The province said it's safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time.
It will be up to the individual pharmacy and healthcare provider to determine when they begin administering based on when they receive their vaccine shipments.
More information can be found at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.