Getting your annual flu shot is more important than ever before

Whitby, Ontario - Influenza, “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 and older.

“The best way you can stop the flu is by getting your flu shot every year,” explained Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “This continues to be important as we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Influenza cases have been low since spring 2020 which may have been impacted by infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures such as physical distancing, handwashing, and masking to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. During the 2021 to 2022 season, there were 84 confirmed influenza cases and 47 hospitalizations in Durham Region. So far this fall, as of Oct. 31, the Health Department reports that there have been 65 confirmed cases of influenza.

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 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 our community’s most vulnerable populations. 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.

With the more immediate and continued risk of COVID-19 infection and possible severe illness, it is recommended that everyone who is eligible 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 and one vaccine will not protect against both viruses. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends individuals five and older may receive COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, before, or after other vaccines his includes live, non-live, adjuvanted, and non-adjuvanted vaccines. Children between six-months and under five-years old are recommended to wait 14 days between the COVID-19 vaccine and other 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 to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

There are over 300 locations in Durham Region offering the influenza vaccine this season, including health care providers and walk-in clinics. Local pharmacies can provide the influenza vaccine for children two-years and older, including individuals with no Ontario health card. The Health Department will offer flu immunizations for individuals between six-months and two-years old who are unable to access a health care provider. Please contact Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 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.