News Release: Protect Yourself, Protect Others - Get the Flu Shot

PROTECT YOURSELF, PROTECT OTHERS – GET THE FLU SHOT

NIPISSING/PARRY SOUND, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is encouraging the public to get the flu shot and recommending people aged 65 years and older get the high-dose flu shot, which is available at the Health Unit or your health care provider.

Influenza (flu) can make a healthy adult sick for weeks, but in vulnerable populations, like older adults and children, it can lead to complications that are more serious. Getting your flu shot is your best defence against the flu, and protects your loved ones, too.

“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 the flu shot, you can lessen your chances of getting the flu by washing your hands often, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, avoiding touching your face and staying home when sick.”

The vaccine is different each year because the virus changes frequently – so you need to get the flu shot every fall. The flu shot is free and it is available at the Health Unit, your health care provider and pharmacies. Pharmacies do not have the high-dose flu shot and cannot vaccinate children under 5 years of age.

Book your flu shot appointment at the Health Unit, to avoid a long wait, at 1-800-563-2808. The Health Unit is holding flu shot clinics in:

Magnetawan

November 12, 2019 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Magnetawan Friendship Centre

73 Albert St.

McKellar

November 14, 2019 from 11 a.m. – noon

McKellar Community Centre

701 Hwy 124

Mattawa

November 18, 2019 from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Mattawa Golden Age Centre

464 Poplar St.

North Bay

November 16, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

345 Oak St. W.

Book an appointment by calling 1-800-563-2808

Parry Sound

December 10, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Parry Sound High School Cafeteria

111 Isabella St.

For more information about the flu shot, flu shot clinics, or to book your flu shot appointment, contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 or visit www.myhealthunit.ca/FluShot.

Quick Facts

• Flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause mild to severe illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death.
• The flu can lead to serious complications including pneumonia. The flu can also make chronic health issues worse.
• In Canada, the flu season generally begins in late fall and winter months. It’s a good idea to get vaccinated at the start of the flu season.
• It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to reach maximum protection, so be sure to get the vaccine as soon as it is available.

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Media Inquiries

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca