Cornwall Ontario – MPP Jim McDonell received the annual influenza vaccine earlier this morning at Medical Arts Pharmacy in Cornwall.

“The flu is a serious public health challenge – it is highly contagious, puts young children and seniors at risk of severe complications and is responsible for tens of millions of lost work hours” MPP McDonell stated. “Immunization is an effective way of minimizing its impact and preserving the health and well-being of our community through the flu season. Pharmacies, clinics and workplaces organize free immunization drives, making the vaccine accessible to as many Ontarians as possible. I encourage every resident of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry to do their part in helping our community stay healthy.”

The flu vaccine is updated every year to include the strains of the disease most likely to infect residents this season.

“We give flu shots, but we also take our own shots seriously,” says pharmacist Harry Haramis.  “Our employees work directly with the public, as well as with ‘higher risk’ elders who live in seniors’ homes so we do everything we possibly can to help reduce risk.”

“Every year, the flu virus changes” MPP McDonell commented. “It is therefore essential for those most at risk of contracting or transmitting the disease to keep their immunity as up-to-date as possible”.