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Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot

Influenza Immunization Program Provides Protection Against The Flu

January 5, 2011

News

As the flu season gains momentum, and doctors, nurses and hospitals see marked increases in influenza cases, Ontarians are reminded to reduce their risk of catching the flu by getting immunized.

The flu shot is a safe and effective way of keeping you and your family healthy. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions and people with weakened immune systems are at particularly higher risk of flu-related complications. Everyone is further encouraged to follow other infection-prevention behaviours, such as washing hands thoroughly and often, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve, and staying home when you’re sick. More information is available at www.ontario.ca/flu.

This is the eleventh year that Ontario has committed to protecting the health of everyone and their families by offering, at no charge to the public, the influenza vaccine for anyone over six months old who lives, works or attends school in Ontario.

QUOTES

"It is very important to get your flu shot. This is no time to be complacent. Influenza is a serious, acute respiratory illness that can cause lost time at work or school, a slow recovery and, in some cases, even hospitalization. Check with your doctor or local public health unit on how you can get your free flu shot. The flu vaccine is well matched to the flu strains circulating in Ontario."
– Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health

QUICK FACTS

• This year’s flu vaccine includes protection against the H3N2 flu strain, the predominant strain currently circulating in Ontario, as well as two other strains that are more prevalent in other parts of the world.
• In the past, seasonal flu has resulted in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations every year in Ontario, as well as 300 deaths annually.
• Studies have shown that flu shots decrease the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death among the elderly and people of all ages with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung and kidney disease. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in high-risk persons under 65 years old are also reduced.
• Studies have also shown that getting the flu shot can reduce the risk of first-time heart attacks.

LEARN MORE

Find out where you can get your free flu shot.

Learn more about Ontario’s flu shot program.

Watch videos to learn more about the flu shot.

Members of the media:

Neala Barton, 416-327-4388
Minister's Office

David Jensen, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health-news