With COVID-19 running rampant within Manitoba's borders and flu season quickly approaching, the Portage Medical Clinic is pleading for you to get your flu shot.

Vaccines are being distributed across the province, and flu shot clinics are popping up. Family physician Sunit Nagra explains what the flu shot entails.

"So, the flu shot is an inactivated attenuated virus vaccine to prevent the seasonal flu," says Nagra. "Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee that you won't get sick, but at the same time, it decreases your risk of catching it and becoming unwell. So, there are high-risk populations out here that would very much benefit from it."

Portage la Prairie is hosting a clinic on November 4 at Stride Place, and on November 19 at the Herman Prior Activity Centre. Nagra says taking the shot could play a vital part in keeping ICU capacity low.

"If we can at least control the spread of influenza, then potentially we can at least protect those of us and keep (people) out of the hospital. Basically, the concern would be we don't have a COVID-19 vaccine at this point. But, we do have a flu vaccine, and that's the key, trying to get as many people vaccinated as possible."

When arriving to get your flu shot, you must bring your Manitoba Health Card, have a non-medical mask, and wear short or loose-fitting sleeves. Nagra notes the shot isn't just for seniors.

"So, in terms of the young patient profile, you're likely probably not going to get all that sick or unwell. It's to prevent your elderly family and your elderly relatives from getting sick because it can be quite detrimental to patients with comorbidities."

For a full list of flu shot clinics in the area, click here.