Toronto/IBNS: After the Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit, Sudbury Public Health and Districts was the latest to announce last week that a flu and COVID vaccine campaign rollout is under way to help reduce the risk of people contracting  respiratory viruses this fall.

A vaccination campaign using the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines to begin later this month, is being planned by the Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

This vaccination campaign will be prioritized for seniors over the age of 65, people living or working in congregate settings, pregnant people, kids aged six months to four years old, First Nations people including Inuit or Métis communities, people with underlying medical conditions, and health-care workers.

These vaccinations would be available to everyone on Oct 28.

“Lung infections are one of the top five causes of death in our community,” Dr. Mustafa Hirji of Public Health Sudbury and Districts has said in a news release.

“As we spend more time indoors due to colder weather, and gather with family and friends over several holidays, the viruses that cause colds, flu, and COVID-19 spread easily through the air causing illness. Getting our fall vaccines every year is the most important step we can take to protect family, friends, and loved ones who are at greater risk.”

Being safe to get both vaccines at the same time, eligible people are being encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments through pharmacies and health care providers as soon as they can.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)