With the global COVID-19 pandemic, getting the flu shot this year is even more important.

To ensure our community stays protected, Northern Health is holding a “Staff Family Vaccination Weekend” from tomorrow, Friday April 24 to Sunday, April 26. All staff are encouraged to let their family know they can come to the Northern Centre for Health Education & Research (NCHER) on these three days, 9 am – 5 pm to get their free flu shots.

Linda Romano, Divisional Director Nursing, Surgical Services, brought her family to have their flu shots and encourages everyone to do so.

“It’s very important to have the annual flu vaccination and protect not only ourselves, but our community and each other as well,” she said.

Ros Payne, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said due to a very high demand for community flu vaccination, they have decided to open this weekend for the family of our staff.

“The model will be the same as for the community. People can drive in, park and walk into NCHER. There they will fill out a form, get their vaccination and then wait outside for 15 minutes. We are not taking bookings for staff family, but will still also have community members with bookings coming in over the weekend. I would encourage everyone to be patient with potential wait times as aim to fit our families around people with prior appointments,” she said.

For their family members, staff are encouraged to print, fill out and bring the Influenza Vaccination Program form, available on PROMPT.

The form has also been emailed to staff with the Staff Family Vaccination Weekend announcement.

More information on our community vaccination can be found here.

Featured image: Linda Romano with her family and nurse Pauline Chingwe