The flu shot is available early in Eeyou Istchee

Around the world, this year’s flu season is hitting earlier and harder than usual. One reason is that we are no longer following universal pandemic-related precautionary measures, like physical distancing and masking. 

Protecting ourselves and one another from the flu is more important than ever. With flu season fast approaching, there is concern about a “twindemic” – an overlap of the annual flu season and an increase of COVID-19 cases this time of year.  

Vulnerable people in our communities, like pregnant women, newborns, Elders, or people living with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system, are especially at risk of complications from the flu or COVID-19.  

Vaccination will help protect our communities and preserve our healthcare system. It is our best tool for preventing severe illness, which can lead to hospitalization.

If you are not up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccination, we encourage you to take the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu at the same time! COVID-19 vaccines will be available at flu vaccination clinics.  

To find out more information about vaccination clinics in your community, tune into local radio, visit your local CMC Facebook page, or contact your CMC.

The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory infections that are caused by viruses that spread through water droplets when someone speaks, sneezes, or breathes. They have similar symptoms, but are different diseases and are caused by different viruses.  

This is why different vaccines are needed to prevent them. A COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you from the flu, and the flu shot does not protect you from COVID-19.