Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is launching it’s annual COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine campaign with the first public clinic scheduled for Brandon on, Oct. 24.

The free public clinics will run in various other communities throughout November. Visit prairiemountainhealth.ca for a complete listing of vaccine clinics in the region. Check PMH Facebook, X or Instagram for up-to-date messages, as well. Community members are also advised to watch for information in local newspapers, listen to local radio, or check out posters in or around the communities for vaccine clinic dates, times and locations.

Appointments are preferred, however, walk-ins will be accepted. There are two ways to book an appointment - online through the PMH website as well as www.patient.petal-health.com, or by calling toll-free to 1-844-626-8222.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine will provide broader protection against the variants expected to be most common during the upcoming respiratory virus season, and can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine. At least six months should pass from your last COVID vaccine or known infection until your next vaccination. You will only need to book one appointment to receive COVID and flu vaccines the day you attend.

Anyone over six months of age can receive the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine. The respiratory virus season last year affected many younger children. Public health strongly recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for children aged six months to under five years of age. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including:

• adults 65 years of age or older;
• residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings;
• individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk;
• individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
• members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and
• people who provide essential community services.

If you are 65 years or older, you can receive the high-dose flu vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine will also be available.

The vaccine consent form can be found on the PMH website and people are asked to bring their Manitoba Health card and wear short sleeves if possible.

If you are unwell or feeling ill, do not attend your vaccine appointment. If you need to cancel, please call 1-844-626-8222.

Influenza and COVID-19 can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs.

These infections are spread through the air when someone who is sick talks, coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread through direct contact with secretions such as saliva or if a person touches an object that can carry and spread disease, including doorknobs or toys, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.

Public health recommends all Manitobans take personal health measures including:

• staying home when sick until they feel better and no longer have a fever;
• washing hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;
• covering coughs and sneezes;
• wearing a mask in indoor spaces can be considered as an extra layer of protection; and
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people.