Winter is here and so are the viruses that lead to colds and flu.
“Flu may seem like a seasonal inconvenience, but for those at higher risk, such as seniors, young children and people with chronic conditions, it can be life-threatening. A flu shot is one small action that offers powerful protection,” said Neil Mentoor, pharmacist at Cloetesville Community Day Centre.
The 2025 influenza season began earlier than usual, starting in week 13 (beginning Monday 24 March), when flu detections in hospitalised patients exceeded the seasonal threshold.
“This early onset serves as a timely reminder that now is the right time to get vaccinated and help protect yourself and your community,” said Charlene Lawrence, deputy director of Communicable Diseases Control at the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.
The department procured 105 000 doses of the vaccine for 2025. From early April to date about 20 000 flu vaccines had been administered.
“Our provincial target is 100% use of the doses that we procured,” Lawrence added. “So far our flu vaccination programme is doing well, and we cannot thank our residents enough.
“The flu vaccine is free at our province’s health-care facilities to people who are vulnerable to waning immunity and serious illness. Those individuals not eligible for free vaccination can still get it via their private doctor or pharmacy.”
The flu vaccine has a proven safety record and, in rare instances, causes only very mild reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever or headache.
Groups recommended to receive free flu vaccination include health-care workers, people 65 years and older, people with underlying chronic health conditions, HIV-infected people, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, including up to six weeks postpartum, residents of old-age homes, chronic care and rehabilitation institutions, and any people wishing to minimise the risk of flu.
Individuals at risk of severe illness are encouraged to seek the vaccine from either a public health facility or privately (at a cost) through general practitioners and pharmacies.
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