Public Health encourages early flu vaccination

With the flu season here earlier than usual, York Region Public Health is “strongly encouraging” residents aged six months and older to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible to help protect themselves and those around them.

Flu activity is higher now than it was in the same period during the last three flu seasons and cases are expected to peak as early as mid-to-late November, it reports.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and complications from respiratory viruses, especially for children, older adults and anyone with underlying medical conditions, York Region Public Health reminds.

Each year, flu and COVID-19 viruses change, and the protection gained from previous vaccinations or infections can fade. Getting vaccinated every year with the most current vaccines, boosts your protection against the most current strains and helps reduce the spread of illness in the community.

Appointments for York Region Public Health clinics are available until Friday, Nov. 6 across York Region and can be booked at York.ca/VirusSeason. Those vaccines are free of charge and an OHIP card is not required. Eligible residents can also receive their vaccines at participating pharmacies, doctors’ or nurse practitioner’s offices and walk-in medical clinics.

Staying home when you’re sick, washing hands often (and if soap and water are unavailable, using hand sanitizer with at least 70 per cent alcohol), covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces can help reduce the spread of seasonal viruses, it adds. Learn more about respiratory virus season and available vaccines at York.ca/VirusSeason.