The arrival of fall means flu season is here. The flu shot is the best protection against the flu, and with the presence of COVID-19 in the community, getting your flu shot is more important now than ever.

“I always recommend that people get the flu shot,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU). “But this year, it’s even more important that we make a collective effort to prevent the flu from spreading so that healthcare staff can focus their efforts on COVID patients instead of flu patients.” You can therefore do your part to help reduce the demand on the healthcare system by getting your flu shot.

Given that the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, getting the flu shot could also help reduce the demand on COVID-19 assessment centres. The fewer number of people who develop flu symptoms, the fewer who will need to get tested for COVID-19.

Flu shots available throughout the region

The flu shot is available at various locations throughout the five Eastern Counties and Cornwall, including through some healthcare providers, community health centres, participating pharmacies and by appointment at the EOHU.

In addition to offering the flu shot at all six offices, the EOHU has set up a drive-through clinic where people can get the flu shot from the comfort of their car. You must also book an appointment for this clinic by calling 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120.

Appointments at the EOHU will be available as of November 2^nd and will be open to everyone. However, priority will be given to people with young children, physical limitations, medical considerations, or special needs. Call to book yours starting on October 26^th. Residents must bring a piece of identification to their appointment. To find out more about where you can get the flu shot, visit EOHU.ca.

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get immunized. These include:

• children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
• people aged 65 and older
• people with chronic medical conditions

If you live with or provide care to someone who falls under one of the groups listed above, or care for newborn infants and children under 6 months of age, it is also highly recommended that you get immunized. This simple step could help protect you and those around you.

For more information about the flu shot, visit EOHU.ca or call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.