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Province pushing flu shots for people six months and older

Sudbury residents strongly encouraged to get their flu shot especially in light of at least one influenza case that was confirmed in the Sudbury jurisdiction last week
COVID-19 Vaccine 1
(Supplied)

As of Tuesday, the province of Ontario made flu shots available to all residents aged six months and older. It is part of a provincial campaign to reduce the occurrence of seasonal influenza, which can make any respiratory disease even worse, health officials say.

"Keeping up to date on vaccines continues to be the best way for people to stay healthy this flu and respiratory illness season and prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital," said a news release from the Ministry of Health.

“Getting your flu shot as early as you can helps keep each other and our most vulnerable loved ones healthy,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. 

“It is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time, so if you have yet to receive your booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should get both shots now.”

The shots are available at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, at the Public Health Sudbury office on Paris Street, and at participating pharmacies. 

Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) is encouraging people to get their flu shots from area pharmacies, from direct health care providers or from the several clinics being throughout Greater Sudbury in the next few weeks. Full details of local clinics are available on the health unit website.

PHSD also advised that at least one confirmed case of influenza was identified in the local jurisdiction just over a week ago, and that it would be prudent to take advantage of the influenza vaccine.

“We know that influenza activity begins in October and peaks between December and February,” said Dr. Imran Adrian Khan, the region’s associate medical officer of health. 

“So, as we move through the fall and into the winter period, getting the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as you can is an important and effective measure to protect you and your family.”

That position is shared by Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health.

“While it is difficult to predict the severity of the upcoming flu season, Ontarians need to remain vigilant and protect themselves from the flu by getting their flu shot as soon as it becomes available,” said Dr. Moore in the health ministry release. 

He urged Ontario residents to practice the same sort of precautions that were prescribed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To further reduce the chances of catching and spreading the flu and to keep everyone as healthy as possible this fall and winter season, Ontarians are also advised to wash their hands often, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, wear a mask especially in crowded indoor spaces if you are at high risk or if you feel it is right for you and stay at home when feeling sick," Moore said. 

To protect the most vulnerable, Ontario’s initial supply of flu vaccines in September was prioritized for long-term care homes and hospitals, followed by retirement homes, health care provider offices and participating pharmacies for seniors and individuals in the community who are at higher risk of complications from the flu.

The Ministry of Health said the flu shot is especially important for children under five, people who are pregnant and those 65 years and older who are at higher risk of hospitalization and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, heart attack or, in some cases, death.

More information on the seasonal flu is available from the Public Health Ontario website.

Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.


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Len Gillis

About the Author: Len Gillis

Graduating from the Journalism program at Canadore College in the 1970s, Gillis has spent most of his career reporting on news events across Northern Ontario with several radio, television and newspaper companies. He also spent time as a hardrock miner.
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