Flu Season is Here… It’s More Important than Ever to Get Your Flu Shot!

As the fall and cooler weather arrive, they bring with them the start of flu season. The flu shot is the best protection against the flu, and with the presence of COVID-19 in the community, getting your flu vaccine is more important now than ever. The flu shot has been approved for use alongside COVID-19 vaccines and is a key step in keeping healthy this season. The flu vaccine is available and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

“Now that people have increased their interactions with others, and that cold and flu viruses are once again circulating in the community, it’s especially important that everyone get their flu shot in the fall,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU). “Both COVID and the flu share symptoms, and despite their similarities, being fully vaccinated for COVID won’t protect you from the flu. Getting the flu shot can help you stay healthy and reduce the pressure on our already strained healthcare system.”

Flu shots available throughout the region

The flu shot is available at various locations across the five Eastern Counties and Cornwall through healthcare providers, community health centres, and participating pharmacies. The vaccine is also available by appointment at the EOHU for children ages 6 months to under 5 years, and their immediate family. Visit EOHU.ca to learn how you can book an appointment.

Groups at higher risk of complications from the flu

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 will 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.