The flu vaccine is now available to everyone six months of age or older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario.
Influenza can make a healthy adult sick for weeks says a Health Unit news release, but in vulnerable populations like older adults and children, it can lead to more serious complications.
“Many people wrongly believe that the flu shot makes you sick with the flu, and that’s not true,” says Andrea McLellan, Manager of Vaccine Preventable Disease.
“What is true, is that the flu shot lessens your chances of getting the flu and related complications which in turn decreases the number of doctor visits, hospital admissions and deaths. Protect yourself and others from influenza – get the flu shot. ”
Some people are more vulnerable to complications from the flu. Babies, children under five years of age, people over 65 years of age, pregnant people and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk. The flu is contagious, and you can catch it from someone who hasn’t yet shown symptoms.
The vaccine is different each year because the virus changes frequently – so you need to get it every fall. The flu shot is free and it’s available at the Health Unit, at flu shot clinics held throughout the district, from participating health care providers and pharmacies.
For more information about the flu shot, flu shot clinics, or to book your flu shot appointment, contact the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 ext. 2349 or visit www.myhealthunit.ca/FluShot
Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause mild to severe illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death.
In Canada, the flu season generally begins in late fall and winter months. It’s a good idea to get vaccinated at the start of the flu season as it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to reach maximum protection, so be sure to get the vaccine as soon as it is available.
