Region of Waterloo Public Health reports three flu cases [Video]

Region of Waterloo Public Health is getting ready for the respiratory illness season after confirming three local flu cases.

“These first cases signal the start of the flu season,” Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region’s Medical Officer of Health, said in a news release. “We have begun working with partners to ensure residents have access to vaccines this fall. We encourage everyone to reduce their risk this respiratory illness season by staying up to date on vaccinations once they become available.”

Influenza vaccines will be available for some people deemed high-risk in early October. The first doses will go to hospital patients, hospital staff and people living or working in long-term care homes. After that, doses will go to people in retirement homes and congregate settings and residents 65-years-old and older.

The general public will have access to flu shots starting on Oct. 28 through doctor and nurse practitioner offices, pharmacies …