Flu shots now available at HPPH COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout December

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, November 30, 2022

As a challenging respiratory illness season continues, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is extending the availability of flu shots at its COVID-19 vaccine clinics until the end of December.

HPPH began offering flu shots on November 15 to individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and has seen good uptake.

Anyone aged five and older who is receiving a COVID-19 vaccination at an HPPH clinic can also receive a flu shot if they wish. HPPH is not offering influenza vaccines on their own at these clinics.

“I strongly recommend that everyone six months and older get a flu shot, especially as we head into the busy holiday season,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to severe outcomes to the very young, the very old and those who are immunocompromised. The flu shot is your best defense against the flu.”

Influenza is circulating in Huron Perth and causing severe illness in children and youth this year. Together with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this is putting pressure on the pediatric acute care system.

Influenza vaccines continue to be available at pharmacies, for those ages two and older, and at primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) offices for those ages six months and older.

To find a list of HPPH COVID-19 vaccination clinics for the month of December, visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated.

Layers of Protection

Protect yourself, your loved ones and the community by using layers of protection during this “triple threat” season of COVID, RSV and influenza circulating at the same time. These layers include:

• Staying home if you are sick
• Screening for respiratory symptoms daily
• Wearing a mask in indoor public settings
• Staying up-to-date with vaccines (including COVID-19 and influenza)
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces