Renfrew County’s Medical Officer of Health is continuing to urge people to get flu shots, saying the flu is “back with a vengeance.”
The Renfrew County District Health Unit has released a video of Dr. Robert Cushman speaking about the “triple threat” that faces the health care sector now. That’s the combination of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, all circulating within the community.
Cushman says he’s concerned that many people aren’t seeing the urgency of getting their children vaccinated.
“I’ve been looking at the data and really our vaccine uptake rates for those under the age 15, and particularly children, are pitiful,” he says. “We can do much better. These shots are now available to children under six months, the flu shot that is.”
Cushman calls vaccinations “our first line of defence.” And he says, people should also wear masks in public places to help prevent the spread.
He says the inconvenience of getting to a pharmacy to get a vaccine pales in comparison to the inconvenience of dealing with a serious illness.
“I hear from young families that they’re too busy and it’s very hard to get to a place where they can get this vaccination. Well, if one of your kids gets one of these diseases, you’re going to be locked down. You’re going to be at home dealing with symptoms and illnesses with missed school and work opportunities for a week or even more. Please, please find a few hours to get these shots.”
Cushman says he’s worried that if vaccination rates don’t pick up, viruses will impact the Christmas season and an economy that’s in need of healthy workers and customers.
You can view the full video here.
