COVID-19 and flu vaccines available to everyone aged six months and older

Huron Perth, ON – Beginning October 30, 2023, the COVID-19 XBB vaccine and the influenza vaccine (“flu shot”) will be available to everyone aged six months and older. Individuals can receive their next COVID-19 dose if it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

“We know that COVID-19 continues to circulate, and that flu has arrived in Huron Perth,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “Both viruses can lead to serious illness, especially for older adults. Vaccination is the best protection and I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their COVID and flu vaccines this fall.”

It is safe and convenient to receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. The vaccines are available through participating pharmacies, some primary care providers, and public health unit clinics. A list of pharmacies offering vaccine can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/.

For information on Huron Perth Public Health vaccine clinics, visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated. Clinics are taking place across Huron and Perth in November. Appointments are required, except for those under the age of five.

Appointments can be booked:

• Online at www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
• By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM excluding holidays).

Keep preventing the spread of respiratory illness

As respiratory season continues and respiratory infections increase, everyone is encouraged to use layers of protection to prevent getting and spreading respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19.

• Screen daily for signs of illness and stay home when you are sick. Stay home until all of the following apply:
  • your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea)
  • you do not have a fever
  • you do not develop any additional symptoms
• When you are no longer isolating, do the following for 10 days from when your symptoms started:
  • wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in all public settings
  • avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, dining out)
  • avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in crowded, indoor public settings, especially anyone at higher risk of severe infection
• Regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces like door knobs, toys, and counter tops
• Improve indoor ventilation
• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots

More information about illness prevention, and local data about respiratory virus activity is available on the respiratory illness section of our website at www.hpph.ca/illness.  If you or a family member are ill, you can call 8-1-1 or visit ontario.ca/health811 to get confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information:

• Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133
• Visit www.hpph.ca/illness
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