Fall season or flu season?

Fall brings something more than autumn colours and falling leaves – influenza.

The Windsor-Essex Health Unit is getting ready for flu season this week as it rolls out the first of its community clinics, and vaccinations hit pharmacies and doctors offices. The first community clinic takes place today, Oct. 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The health unit has changed who the clinics are targeting this year, says Lynn Lauzon, manager of the Vaccine Preventable Department at the health unit.

“This year the health unit is focusing on clinics for children six months to six years of age. There are 75 pharmacies [in Windsor] who will be administering the vaccine, but a pharmacist can only immunize children five years or older,” said Lauzon.

The under age-six and over 65-age group are considered high risk for influenza, according to wechu.org. Pregnant women, the obese, and those with chronic or long-term medical conditions are also in the high risk category.

Courtney Meloche, music major at the University of Windsor, gets the flu shot every year. “My parents make me get it mostly, but I figure it can’t hurt,” Meloche said.

According to Lauzon, “university students are especially high risk, more susceptible because they don’t take care of themselves or eat properly. Stress can weaken your immune system. If you’re serious about your studies and want to make sure you’re well before your exams, get immunized.”

Amber Carson, parent of three, doesn’t get the flu vaccine and neither do her children.

“It seems like a crap shoot more than anything. The only time I’ve had the flu was the year I got the shot. Add in being terrified of needles and I’d rather take the chance,” said Carson.

In regards to misconceptions about vaccinations, Lauzon said people just don’t understand.

“People confuse influenza with gastric flu, which is not the same,” Lauzon says is the main reason that people refuse to get their flu shot. “People are more comfortable taking a pill instead of getting a shot,” but Lauzon assures patients that both a pill and the shot are the same thing.

Pharmacies and doctors will have the vaccine for the general public early next week. The Health Unit has more community clinics scheduled through the end of November.