The Grey Bruce Health Unit is advising residents that a pneumococcal vaccine is now available.
It is strongly recommended for high risk individuals prior to the arrival of the seasonal flu season.
Public health nurse Mary Lynn Barron says the vaccine can help to reduce the risk of illness or even death, from complications of influenza.
Barron says the pneumcoccal disease can cause complications including meningitis, infection of the blood and pneumonia in all ages.
She adds anyone aged 65 or older can get the shot free of charge, as well as anyone considered to be a high risk.
Barron says anyone with chronic respiratory, cardiac disease or HIV infection would be included in the list of people who should get the vaccine.
The health unit will be busy this fall, giving out those shots, shots for regular influenza and the Vaccine for H1N1 once it is available.