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Immunization

Influenza

This Year’s Flu Vaccine

As recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the following strains are included in this year’s vaccines:

      Strains

      For more information on Influenza please click here.

      • Pharmacy - Children 2 and older, and all adults (including those with no Ontario Health Card).
      • Family Doctor - Early immunization for high risk groups, all age groups.
      • Nurse Practitioner - Early immunization for high risk groups, all age groups.

       High Risk Groups for Influenza
      If you are not the parent or legal guardian, you must have a signed consent that gives direction for us to administer the flu shot to that particular person. This consent must be from the parent/legal guardian or the power of attorney.  If there is not a signed consent, we are unable to provide the flu vaccine to that person.

      Here are a few important reasons:

      • Improves your chances of staying healthy during the flu season.
      • Reduces the chance your friends or family will get sick.
      • The virus changes every year. Getting this year’s shot gives you the best protection.
      • Reduces your chances of missing time from work or special events.
      • The flu virus lives on surfaces you touch.

       

      Are you a health care or emergency worker?

      • You have a high risk of passing the virus to vulnerable people, even if you don’t feel sick.
      • Get the flu shot to protect yourself, your coworkers, and those you serve in our community.

       

      Here are some basic facts about the flu vaccine:

      • It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to build protection in your body.
      • The flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
      • Even if you get the flu after receiving vaccine, the symptoms tend to be milder.
      • The vaccine does not protect against other illnesses that have symptoms like influenza.

       

      What’s the big deal about the flu?

      • Even very healthy people can become quite ill, missing up to 5-7 days of work.
      • You could pass the virus to someone who is at high risk for getting very sick with the flu, or for a complication of the flu like pneumonia, such as a pregnant woman, a baby, someone with  diabetes, or an older relative.

       

      • Get your flu shot. It will protect you, as well as your family and friends.
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
      • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm, not your hand.
      • Stay at home if you are sick, and avoid contact with people who are sick with the flu.
      • Clean surfaces often (for example, counter tops, keyboards and telephones). Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to eight hours.

       

      What if you get the flu?

      If you get the flu, take these steps to speed up your recovery and to prevent sharing the "bug" with others:

      • Stay home from work or school when you are sick
      • Keep surfaces clean 
      • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or sleeve, not your hands
      • Dispose of tissues immediately after use
      • Wash your hands often 
      • Get lots of rest
      • Treat fever and cough
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Don't be a visitor in a hospital, or a long-term care facility
      • Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant women, and people over the age of 65, and those with chronic health problems. Anyone in these groups can catch the flu easily.
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