Renfrew County patients have options when it comes to how they get their flu vaccine this year.
Family Physician and Chief of Staff for the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Dr. Jason Malinowski says the usual shot has two strains of Influenza A and one strain of Influenza B. He says a new needle for kids has an extra strain of Infleunza B because they have a higher risk of catching the virus. Malinowski says his patients are also asking about a new four-strain intranasal vaccine for those ages two to 59. He says it’s uncertain how much of the vaccine will be sent to doctor’s offices in the county.
Malinowski says the Influenza A components in last year’s flu shot didn’t match the virus that was going around Barry’s Bay. This caused outbreaks at the hospital and Water Tower Lodge.
He says you can now get your flu shot at his office during the day, although he is also looking at having after hours clinics. The hospital is hosting a regional clinic at the end of November. For details on clinics in the area, click here.