Public Health Grey Bruce says flu shots are now available locally and to call your pharmacy or healthcare provider to get one.
The Health Unit notes in a release, this year’s flu season is taking place at the same time as COVID-19, saying, “The influenza vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19, but it will ensure you have protection against the circulating influenza virus.”
They say this season, if you’re 65 and older, there are two different flu shots available: standard and high dose.
Public Health says to not wait for a particular product, explaining both the standard and high dose vaccines contain effective strains for people over the age of 65.
The Health Unit says, “The most important thing is for seniors to not delay, but get protected.”
Health Canada says each year, people with influenza and related complications increase the demand on the healthcare system in the fall and winter.
The agency notes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be important to minimize the burden on the Canadian health care system, so there’s more capacity to respond to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Public Health Grey Bruce says, those at high-risk are more vulnerable to complications from flu. High-risk includes:
-Babies under 6 months are too young to get the flu shot, but they’ll get some protection if their parent got the flu shot while they were pregnant.
-Children under 5 years old, because their immune systems are developing, and their airways are small and more easily blocked.
-People 65 years old and older, because their immune systems are weaker and they are more likely to have an underlying condition that increases their risk.
-Pregnant people, because their immune system, heart and lungs change especially later in pregnancy making them more likely to get seriously ill from the flu.
-People with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
Where to get the flu vaccine:
6 months to 4 years old
Your doctor or nurse practitioner at your regular medical office; pharmacies
do not offer flu vaccine to children under 5 years
If you are not rostered with a medical office, you can contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit to make an appointment.
5-64 years old
Your doctor or nurse practitioner at your regular medical office
Local participating pharmacy
65 years and older
Your doctor or nurse practitioner at your regular medical office
Local participating pharmacy