Many get shot in the arm

Ken Johnston

Have you had a shot in the arm?
Well as of Friday 545 people from Rainy River to Barwick and up to Bergland had been vaccinated by the Northwestern Health Unit (from Rainy River).
Public Health Nurse Gaylene Jasper said that puts the numbers right on keel with those of last year. “We had 547 last year and we are at 545 as of today.” Of course they are still administering the free flu shot, but their travelling road clinics are done now.
Jasper said that they will give anyone wanting a flu shot one at the health unit in Rainy River during business hours. “Just give us a call and we can set up an appointment.”
Her travelling clinics saw Rainy River give 241 shots, up ten from last year. Bergland was down by seven, Stratton was up by 31 and Barwick was down 22. She attributed the drops to neighbouring clinics in Emo and at the First Nations picking up the difference.
Jasper noted that flu season runs right through until spring and it is never too late to get a free vaccination.
“I think this is the fifth year and that it has had a real positive impact,” said Jasper. While she did not have concrete data she is sure the program has reduced provincial health care costs as less people are ending up getting sick and hence ending up in the hospital.
Flu shots are also available at the Rainy River Clinic. No data as to how many people have had the free shots there was available at press time.