Flu shots available across the province

As of today (Monday), this year’s flu vaccine is available locally, and all across Ontario.

And the province’s top public health official is urging you to get vaccinated soon, because we’re entering flu season, and it takes up to two weeks to build up immunity.

Dr. David Williams, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, says flu can make even the healthiest adults very sick – and can be far worse than the common cold.

Williams says, “It’s much more severe and it lasts longer so people are often very ill for 4 to 5 days, not 48 hours. They can be ill and off work or comprimised for up to 2 to 3 weeks and some have to be hospitalized, a few in intenstive care.”

The vaccine for children now protects against four strains of influenza instead of three and is also available as a nasal spray for those aged 2-to-17.

Click HERE for the schedule of local flu clinics listed on the Health Unit’s website.