Health officials are urging the public to get their free flu shot.
Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says it is not too late and it is as easy as stopping into a participating pharmacy or making an appointment with your health care provider or the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
Dr. Williams says the vaccine can protect even the healthiest adults from weeks of misery and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health would like to see more people get the free flu shot this winter. He says the current vaccine appears to be a good match for this flu season and there’s no reason to avoid getting your shot.
Dr. Williams also dispels a common misconception. “Some people feel they can get the flu from getting the flu vaccine but that’s not true. People should be assured the flu vaccine is safe, it’s free, and it’s readily available.
You can get your flu shot from your health care provider, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, and most pharmacies.
If you live near North Bay or Parry Sound, call the Health Unit to book your flu shot appointment:
- North Bay Office- 705-474-1400 or toll-free 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5252
- Parry Sound Office- 705-746-5801 or toll-free 1-800-563-2808 ext. 3215
- or visit www.myhealthunit.ca/FluShot
You can get your flu shot at participating local pharmacies (ages five and up), one of the health unit’s community clinics throughout the district or make an appointment with your family doctor.
“The flu shot is proven to reduce the number of doctor visits, hospitalizations and deaths related to the flu,” says Andrea McLellan, manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program. “In addition to receiving the flu shot, you can lessen your chances of getting the flu by washing your hands often, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, staying home when sick, and avoiding touching your face.”
Influenza or “flu” can make a healthy adult sick for weeks, but in vulnerable populations like older adults and children, it can lead to more serious complications. Getting your flu shot is your best defence against the flu and protects your loved ones, too.
Babies, children under five years of age, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to complications from the flu. The flu is contagious, and you can catch it from someone who hasn’t yet shown symptoms.
