Protecting yourself from the flu is more important than ever before

Whitby, Ontario - Influenza, also known as “the flu”, season has begun, and Durham Region Health Department is reminding area residents to protect themselves and others by getting their annual influenza vaccine, known as the flu shot. The flu shot is safe and protects you from the influenza virus which causes a contagious respiratory illness. The vaccine is free and recommended for everyone six-months of age and older.

“The best way you can stop the flu is by getting the flu shot every year and this year is equally important as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “The influenza vaccine can help to reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, which could lead to more serious complications, can help to reduce the risk of confusing flu symptoms for COVID-19, and help to reduce the overall burden on the health care system. There is no evidence that influenza vaccination impacts the chance of getting or worsening COVID-19. By getting the flu shot, individuals will help to protect themselves and others, including the community’s most vulnerable populations.”

With the more immediate and continued risk of COVID-19 infection and possible severe illness, it is recommended that everyone receive their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19; the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time or before or after other vaccines, including live, non-live, adjuvanted, and non-adjuvanted vaccines.

As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, it is recommended that individuals with symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including minor symptoms such as a sore throat or runny nose, postpone their influenza immunization until they have recovered as these individuals can pose an unnecessary risk of spreading COVID-19. It is strongly advised that individuals with suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19, and those who are close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19, do not attend influenza immunization appointments or clinics during their period of isolation to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. It is also highly recommended that you do not delay getting your flu shot to wait for a particular brand of vaccine. All available influenza vaccine products protect against the flu; the most important thing is for eligible individuals to be vaccinated.

There are over 300 locations in Durham Region offering the influenza vaccine this season, including local health care providers and walk-in clinics. Area pharmacies can provide the influenza vaccine for children two-years and older. The Health Department will be offering clinics for individuals between six-months and two-years old who do not have an Ontario health card and are unable to access a health care provider or pharmacy. Please contact Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-2020 or toll-free at 1-800-841-2729 for more details. For more information about the flu or the influenza vaccine, visit durham.ca/flu.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department