(Thunder Bay, Ont) - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is reminding the public that all those aged 6 months and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are now eligible for a flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Those who became eligible in early October but have not yet received their doses are strongly encouraged to get protected as soon as possible,” says Laura Dennis, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program.

(Thunder Bay, Ont) - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is expanding their food safety training to offer an in-person course as an alternative to online. The in-person format provides a supportive learning environment for local food handlers, restaurant staff, and community volunteers to get certified.

"Under section 32 of Ontario's food safety laws, all commercial food service premises must have at least one certified food handler on-site at all times," says Lee Sieswerda, Manager of Environmental Health at TBDHU.

(Thunder Bay, Ont.) - Local health units in Northwestern Ontario are advising certain people to get vaccinated against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Rates of this serious infection across northwestern Ontario are higher than the rest of the province. Complications from IPD often result in hospitalization, and the best defense is vaccination.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has launched the annual fall vaccine campaign. The main message: get vaccinated early. Vaccines provide both individual and community protection against respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease. They also reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital stays.

September 25, 2026 - TBDHU is advising residents of an increase in HIV cases in Thunder Bay and District and is encouraging anyone who may be at risk to get tested.

HIV is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) that can be found in blood, seminal fluids, rectal secretions, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. It is most commonly transmitted though condomless anal and vaginal sex, and sharing needles.

September 24, 2026 - The Thunder Bay Perinatal Coalition is hosting its fall Perinatal Health & Wellness Fair – a free, community event designed to connect people with essential resources, services, and supports during one of life’s most transformative stages.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Intercity Mall (Early Years Community Site)

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (BGA) in a water sample collected from Batwing Lake on August 28, 2026. Batwing Lake is located approximately 65 kms west of Thunder Bay off Boreal Road.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

- drinking the water;

- using it for household purposes; or

- swimming in it.

Community members are being invited to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with groups from across the Thunder Bay District at a public event this week.

The event, organized by the City of Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), takes place Wednesday, August 26 at Intercity Shopping Centre, in the north parking lot, from 11am to 2pm.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (BGA) in a water sample collected at Hattie Cove on August 11, 2026. Hattie Cove is located within Pukaskwa National Park near Marathon.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

August 5, 2026 – The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised that a blue-green algae (BGA) bloom was reported on August 4, 2026. The bloom was observed at Dog Falls (Upper Cascades) on the Kaministiquia River above Little Dog Lake, and within Silver Falls Provincial Park.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

• drinking the water;

• using it for household purposes; or

• swimming in it.