Looking to get your flu shot while lessening the chances of potentially spreading COVID-19 or influenza in a clinic?
There’s an app for that!
Northern Health says it’s gradually rolling out its new NH Check-In app at select sites across the region as a way for patients to sign in while waiting for a flu-shot appointment.
The authority explains this is an optional route to make physical distancing easier in clinics and other facilities when it provides the flu shot, though it does not allow users to make appointments.
As of this publication, Northern Health has 355 positive COVID-19 cases detected since March after five new ones were recorded since Friday (Oct. 16), including 14 active cases, one person in hospital for a total of 31 to date, three deaths and 338 recoveries.
Officials are encouraging the public to get a flu shot soon, noting this is a chance to eliminate influenza locally as the COVID-19 pandemic continues without its own vaccine.
“Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and death,” a release states this morning (Oct. 20), adding most flu clinics will be open for business during the first week of November.
“If influenza spreads rapidly in communities at the same time as COVID-19 – it can overwhelm the healthcare system and put our loved ones at risk. The best protection is to get the flu shot this fall… and stay home if you are sick.”
Free flu vaccines are set to be available as well from pharmacies and doctor’s offices in Prince George and across northern B.C.
“Making an appointment is strongly encouraged this year to help reduce line-ups and maintain safe physical distancing, due to COVID-19,” Northern Health continues.
“Northerners are asked to plan ahead and schedule a time to get their flu shot. NH public health clinics will be encouraging mask use (for those aged two and up), and implementing physical distancing measures. Please follow the instructions of clinic staff, and respect COVID-19 safety protocols put in place by other flu shot providers.”
For more information on flu clinics, you’re asked to visit ImmunizeBC’s website or call 8-1-1.
Details about the NH Check-In app can be found on Northern Health’s digital health page, where you can also download it for free.
