The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) and Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) are encouraging vulnerable members of the public to protect themselves against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).
According to the two health units, IPD rates are five times the provincial average in the Thunder Bay Districit, and four times the provincial average in the northwest.
IPD can cause severe illnesses such as blood infections and meningitis, and those with IPD can face lifelong consequences from the disease.
As a result, the following groups can get IPD vaccines for free:
Anyone who is 65 years and older, as well as those 18 to 64 years old who are considered at high-risk for IPD due to:
a weakened immune system
chronic organ disease (e.g. kidney, liver, lung, or heart disease)
other chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes)
a non-functioning or missing spleen
a cochlear implant
Eligibility for the vaccine is wider in the north, also including 18 to 64 year-olds who:
Are experiencing homelessness or are without stable housing
Use substances regularly, including alcohol, cocaine, and/or injection drugs
Sam Goldstein is a 2025 graduate of the Seneca Polytechnic journalism program. Sam’s great passions are for history, politics, and food. Born and raised in Toronto, he works as a multimedia journalist in Thunder Bay. You can reach him at goldsteins@radioabl.ca.