Influenza, also known as the flu, can result in serious illness or even death for older adults. Therefore, it is important to receive the flu shot when it is available each year. Vaccination must be done each year because the virus mutates year-to-year.

Eligibility for a Free Flu Shot

Flu shots are free for those ages 65 and over, or for those who fall into the below categories.

• People at high risk of serious illness from influenza, such as:
  • Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities
  • Indigenous people
  • Individuals with certain medical conditions, including:
    • Heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis
    • Kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia or weakened immune system
    • Those with health conditions causing difficulty breathing, swallowing or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as people with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders
  • Individuals who are very obese

• People able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza including:
  • Household contacts (including children) of people at high risk
  • Household contacts, caregivers and daycare staff of children under 5 years of age
  • Doctors, nurses and others working in health care settings, including long-term care facilities, who have contact with patients
  • Visitors to health care facilities and other patient care locations
  • Those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings
  • People who provide essential community services

WESN Flu Shot Clinics

There are 2 upcoming flu shot clinics scheduled at Barclay Manor that are for WESN members, clients, volunteers, and staff. They are tentatively scheduled for:

1. Friday, October 29, 1:30-3:30pm in the Main Floor Kitchen (Shoppers Drug Mart)
2. Monday, November 8, 1-3:30pm in the Main Floor Kitchen (The Pharmacy West End)

To book your 5-minute flu shot appointment, call 604-669-5051 or email [email protected].

If you are attending the October 29 clinic, you can fill out the consent form ahead of time and print it to bring it with you.

Information about preparing for your flu shot can be found here.

How does influenza spread?

Influenza spreads easily through coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact. The virus can spread when a person touches tiny droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person or object and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Symptoms can begin 1 to 4 days after a person is exposed to the virus. Fever and other symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days, but cough and weakness may last 1 to 2 weeks longer.

An infected person can spread the virus before feeling sick.

How can influenza be prevented?

• Wash your hands regularly
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that people touch
• Promptly dispose of used tissues in the garbage
• Cough and sneeze into your shirt sleeve rather than your hands
• Stay home when you are ill
• Get an influenza vaccine

More information about inactivated flu shots can be found here.

Last Updated: 21-Oct-2021

Celebrate National Seniors Day with WESN by enjoying performances on Zoom from the comfort of your home alongside a cup of tea and a treat.

Zoom Performance Schedule:
2:00PM – 2:30PM: Opera performed by Mary
2:30PM – 3:00PM: Guitar performed by Cuneyt

To sign up for a take-home package with a tea bag and treat, register at 604-669-5051 or
[email protected]. Packages can be picked up from Barclay Manor reception between 12:00PM and 1:30PM on Friday, October 1st. Limited quantities may apply. Thank you to our treat sponsor Papparoti (1505 Robson St)!

Friday, October 1, 2:00PM – 3:00PM, On Zoom

Join on Zoom: http://ow.ly/aDoh50G9XsQ

Dial In via Phone: 778-907-2071

Meeting ID: 850 9320 5424
Passcode: 2021

Looking for ways to educate yourself and deepen your understanding of reconciliation in everyday actions? WESN team members compiled the following list of actions and resources to support our community’s ongoing learning and reconciliation efforts. Several of these were sourced through the The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (for more information visit here).

Individual and community actions:

• Visit a local Indigenous organization, Friendship Centre, community group or museum
• If invited or open to the public, attend local Indigenous cultural events taking place in your community
• Organize or participate in fundraising and awareness events supporting Indigenous artists, organizations, and community groups
• Support Indigenous artists and Indigenous owned businesses
• Learn the land acknowledgment in your region or develop one of your own in consultation with local Indigenous communities.

Everyday actions through media and learning:

Listen to a podcast that explores historic and current lived experiences of Indigenous People in Canada

• Thunder Bay – Canadaland
• Our Native Land – Tchadas Leo
• Coffee with My Ma – Kaniehti:io Horn
• The Historical Natives – Mackenzie Taylor and Josef Stafford
• Residential Schools – Historica Canada and hosted by Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais
• The Secret Life of Canada – Falen Johnson, Leah Simone Bowen
• Telling Our Twisted Histories – CBC Podcast hosted by Kaniehti:io Horn
• Kiwew – CBC Podcast hosted by David A. Robertson
• Inuit Unikkaangit – CBC Podcast hosted by Mary Powder
• Pieces – CBC Podcast hosted by Jeremy Ratt

Read a book centering Indigenous stories and experiences

• Moon of the Crusted Snow – Waubeshig Rice
• Split Tooth – Tanya Tagaq 
• Ragged Company – Richard Wagamese
• Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sun – Paul Seesequasis
• Code Talker – Cheser Nez
• From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way – Jesse Thistle
• Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Indigenous Life – James Daschuk
• Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-up Call – Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson
• The Inconvenient Indian – Thomas King
• The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy – Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson

Watch a movie or documentary that highlights Indigenous perspectives and issues

• We Were Children – Film by Tim Wolochatiuk
• Colonization Road – Documentary by Michelle St. John
• nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up –Documentary by Tasha Hubbard
• Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger – Documentary by Alanis Obomsawin
• Cottagers and Indians – Documentary by Drew Hayden Taylor
• Elder in the Making – Documentary by Chris Hsiung

Last Updated: 15-Sep-2021

Starting on Monday, September 13, proof of vaccination will be required to enter Barclay Manor.

This includes entering the building for participation in programs, presentations, workshops, events, appointments, meetings with staff, and using the Computer Lab.

Temporary access without proof of vaccination will be provided for individuals who require the washroom.

Proof of vaccination will need to be shown alongside 1 piece of ID at the front door of Barclay Manor. All other doors will be kept locked.

1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is required by September 13. Full vaccination is required by October 24.

This requirement is set in place until January 30, 2022 with a possibility of an extension.

For information about vaccine cards, visit our previous post: http://wesn.ca/bc-vaccine-cards/

Proof of vaccination is not required to access Kay’s Place, Clothes and Collectibles, outdoor programs, or Better at Home and Life Unlimited services such as Grocery Shopping and Delivery or Light Housekeeping.

As always, WESN is following the situation closely and will abide by Provincial Health Orders. Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and cooperation. These are temporary measures that will help protect people during the pandemic.

Last Updated: 10-Sep-2021

From September 13, 2021 to January 31, 2022 (with a possibility of extension), showing proof of vaccination will be required to access some businesses and events. This does not apply to essential businesses such as grocery stores.

As of September 13, people will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing partial vaccination (Dose 1).

As of October 24, people will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals who are able to request their BC Vaccine Card online can go to: gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard

You will need to enter your Personal Health Number (PHN), date of birth and date of dose 1 or 2.

If you have Health Gateway and the mobile BC Services Card, you can sign in with that to obtain your BC Vaccine Card.

Once you have access to your BC Vaccine Card, you can save a copy to your mobile device such as in the photo album or download folder or print it out to carry with you.

The BC Vaccine Card has a QR code, which is essentially a barcode that businesses can scan using an app. Or, the businesses will perform a visual check of your BC Vaccine Card along with your government-issued ID.

Individuals who can’t access the electronic BC Vaccine Card can ask a friend, family member or support person to print their BC Vaccine Card for them, visit a Service BC office, or call 1 833 838-2323 to receive a copy in the mail.

WESN will be working on determining their processes this week to implement on September 13, as access to some social, recreational and educational programs and events will be affected.

Last Updated: 07-Sep-2021