Renfrew County’s top doctor says COVID illnesses are on the rise and the upcoming flu season is expected to be more severe than usual.
The comments, from Renfrew County’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jason Morgenstern, come as the Renfrew County District Health Unit begins opening COVID and flu vaccine clinics.
The health unit has several one-day clinics happening throughout the county this month, including one at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The clinics are for those at high risk of severe COVID and flu infections.
That includes health care workers, those aged 65 and over, and children between ages six months and 4 years (for flu shots only), among other groups.
The health unit says by October 30, clinics will be available to everyone.
“We are already seeing an increase in COVID-19 illness across Renfrew County and District,” Morgenstern says.
“Later this fall, we also expect an earlier and more severe flu season than typical years. Altogether we anticipate another serious respiratory illness season, with impacts on our community and healthcare system.”