Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services
Free Community Flu Shot Clinics Start October 18 in Oxford County
Free community flu shot clinics start October 18 this fall and run for five weeks in locations across Oxford County. Public Health & Emergency Services is reminding people that the sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you’re protected.
Flu shots are funded by the Government of Ontario and are recommended for everyone over six months of age, especially young children, pregnant women, seniors, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.
Getting your flu shot early in the season lets your immune system build up antibodies sooner, so it’s ready when flu season starts. It can take up to two weeks for antibodies to build up after you get the shot.
The flu shot is safe and it’s the most effective way to protect you and your family from the flu. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that the flu and complications from the flu send about 20,000 Canadians to the hospital every year and cause 2,000 to 8,000 deaths.
The flu shot is available at one of the Public Health community flu shot clinics or from a participating family doctor or health care professional. The Government of Ontario also recently announced that pharmacists can administer the flu shot starting this year.
For a list of Public Health flu shot clinic times and locations, download the schedule or visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/health. For other ways to get the flu shot, ask your health care professional or pharmacist.
Quick Facts:
- Influenza, or “the flu,” is a respiratory illness that causes fever, severe muscle and joint aches, coughing, and fatigue. The flu can lead to pneumonia. It lasts five to seven days or longer.
- The flu is not a cold. A cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory passages that is caused by a rhinovirus, which is different from an influenza virus.
- For more information visit Fight Flu at www.fightflu.ca.
Media Contact:
Tommasina Conte
Communications Coordinator
519-539-9800 ext 3503
Mobile: 519-608-3003
tconte@oxfordcounty.ca
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