Starting today you can make an appointment to get the influenza vaccine.  Portage residents are now able to call and book and appointment for the mid November clinics. 
Shelley Buchan is the Medical Officer of Health for the Central Regional Health Authority, she encourages people over the age of 65, children between 6 and 23 months old and those with a chronic illness to get the vaccine. She says there are still some people that believe they'll get sick from the flu shot, however she's quick to point out the vaccine does not contain a live virus and the small percentage of people who become ill are either experiencing adverse effects, or have contracted another type of virus. 
Other RHA's were offering clinics earlier than Central, Buchan explains the vaccine was delivered in different stages and knowing it was going to arrive late meant they held off with advertising until they knew which dates they'd be able to offer the vaccine.  Although some were worried with the delay Buchan stresses it's a non issue as influenza has not been diagnosed yet in Manitoba.