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<\/p>\nThe 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). <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
IPD can cause severe illnesses such as blood infections and meningitis, and those with IPD can face lifelong consequences from the disease.<\/p>\n
As a result, the following groups can get IPD vaccines for free:<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
a weakened immune system<\/p>\n
chronic organ disease (e.g. kidney, liver, lung, or heart disease)<\/p>\n
other chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes)<\/p>\n
a non-functioning or missing spleen<\/p>\n
a cochlear implant<\/p>\n
Eligibility for the vaccine is wider in the north, also including 18 to 64 year-olds who:<\/p>\n
Are experiencing homelessness or are without stable housing<\/p>\n
Use substances regularly, including alcohol, cocaine, and\/or injection drugs<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sam Goldstein is a 2025 graduate of the Seneca Polytechnic journalism program. Sam\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n