Starting November, 2nd 2020 Fraser Northwest Division (FNWD) in partnership with Family Doctors, pharmacists, community volunteers and the City of Port Coquitlam, the City of Port Moody and Fraser Health will be opening up outdoor flu clinics within the Tri-Cities Region. These clinics will give the public more options for immunization against the flu, especially as pharmacies and clinics are offering a limited number of flu vaccinations this year to preserve the health and safety of their patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to administer 100,000 flu vaccines in the Tri-Cities.

It is exceptionally important this year to get the flu shot.  British Columbians sacrificed greatly this year to prevent our health system from being overwhelmed by COVID-19.  In the same vein, preventing the flu will keep our health system from being overwhelmed by twin waves of flu and COVID.

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, and emphasizes it “is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic” 

Each outdoor flu-clinic provides a drive-thru service as well and a walk-in option and will have tents set up outside. Pre-registration is required and is by appointment only. These clinics will be operating between the hours of 8 AM-8 PM. Dates and locations for each city can be viewed on the FNWD website.

“This cold and flu season brings with it the risk of increased numbers of respiratory illnesses, hospitalizations and death relating to both flu and our current pandemic. The Flu Vaccine reduces your risk of flu related illness, not COVID-19. However, in conjunction  with current public health measures of physical distancing, increased hand washing, masking and staying home when you are sick, increasing the number of flu vaccinated people will help to decrease flu related hospitalizations and preserve valuable healthcare resources needed to treat those ill with COVID-19.” - Dr. Kathleen Ross.

"My message to people in British Columbia is we all need to do our part to stop influenza this year and that means getting the flu shot, even if this is the first time you've ever had it.” 

- Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice is one of 35 divisions in British Columbia that make up the Divisions of Family Practice, an initiative of the Family Practice Services Committee, a partnership between the Province of B.C. and Doctors of B.C. Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice currently has over 400 members that provide primary care services in Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.

Links
Pre-registration Form
Fraser Northwest Division

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Media contact
Kristan Ash
kristan.ash@fnwdivision.ca