Monday, December 12, 2011
It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine
Ottawa - Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding you that it is not too late to get your flu vaccine. Since September, OPH has distributed nearly 326,000 doses of the flu vaccine to hundreds of vaccine providers across the city such as doctors’ offices, community health centres and walk-in clinics. Getting the flu vaccine is safe, free and the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.
“The flu vaccine is the best way to avoid being sick this holiday season," said Mayor Jim Watson. "Getting the flu shot is free and easy and helps ensure you won’t pass on the flu to family, friends and co-workers.”
“Make an appointment to see your doctor or your health care provider to get your flu vaccine today,” said Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health. “There’s enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.”
“Local health care providers are administering the flu vaccine to residents daily,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “We encourage every resident to get their flu vaccine and take other precautions against the flu like hand washing.”
Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is easily spread from person-to-person, often by a cough or a sneeze. On average, people who get the flu are bed-ridden from seven to 10 days. The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged six months or older that live, work or study in Ontario.
After administering nearly 28,500 vaccines over the past six weeks at free flu clinics, OPH will hold its final clinic today:
Monday, December 12
Roberta Bondar Public School
159 Lorry Greenberg Drive, Ottawa
4 to 8:30 p.m.
Along with getting the flu vaccine, it is important that residents take these precautions to keep themselves and their families healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hand
- Stay at home if you are sick
For more information about the flu vaccine, please visit ottawa.ca/flu or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information.
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