Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Free Flu Immunization Clinics Start Soon!
Starting on October 21, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will begin holding free seasonal flu immunization clinics throughout the five Eastern Counties. In addition to the drop-in clinics that have been offered in the past, the health unit will also hold clinics by appointment this year for families with young children, and for people with physical limitations, medical conditions or special needs.
View the flyer online.
View the poster online.
Read a factsheet about the flu shot.
Follow the EOHU on Twitter for clinic information and other news.
Seasonal flu is different from the common cold. According to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health, people need to receive the flu shot every year to be protected because the viruses that cause the flu change frequently. The flu can cause serious illness and even death for some people. “The seasonal flu shot is safe and your best protection against the flu. It’s free and available for everyone aged 6 months and older.”
Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu, and are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. These include:
- children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
- people aged 65 and older
- people with chronic medical conditions
The flu shot is also highly recommended for people who live with or provide care to someone who is in one of the groups listed above. This simple step could help protect you and those around you.
The EOHU reminds residents to bring a piece of identification to the immunization clinics. For more information about the flu shot clinics, call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.
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