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Outreach clinics are an important front in the battle against respiratory viruses, said the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority on Monday as it ramped up its public awareness campaign.
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“We serve many people who face barriers in accessing services like this,” said Nengi Offurum of Thrive Community Support Circle during a media event at its temporary centre on Edmonton Street. “Barriers like transportation and financial constraint or any other challenges that they may face, and we are bringing it directly to them, making it easier and convenient for them.”
Dozens of the outreach clinics pop up each year in partnership with organizations such as Thrive. “What we do in outreach is go and meet them where they’re at,” said Dr. Bunmi Fatoye, medical officer of health for the Winnipeg region. Immunizations also help protect those around us and lessen any strain on the health care system, explained Fatoye.
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Locals reached may include those 65 or older, pregnant women, children between the ages of six months to five years old and Indigenous people. Outreach clinics also help those in personal care homes or long-term facilities and individuals with chronic health conditions who are at greater risk of severe outcomes. Caregivers and those in close contact also carry increased risk.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone over the age of six months, the WRHA said. They are also available free from doctor’s offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics and other care clinics.
“Part of our preparation requires being immunized because we need at least two weeks to get our bodies’ immune system to provide the robust response that we need to protect ourselves.” Fatoye said, recommending that people get vaccinated early in the respiratory virus season.
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