The Health Unit Urges Residents To Get A Flu Shot

SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE ******************** Flu season is upon us and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) strongly urges residents to get the flu shot to better protect themselves, their families, the community and the health care system this fall and winter. “This year, it is critical that all beneficiaries get their annual flu shot,” said Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of SMDHU. “The low rates of flu over the past two seasons mean that our immunity to the flu virus is lower than usual. Combined this year with reduced public health measures such as coverage and social distancing, we expect it could be a more severe flu season.” Vaccination against seasonal influenza remains the most effective way to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of the disease. It can also help reduce the chances that people will need medical attention or hospitalisation. With ongoing COVID-19 activity in the community, up-to-date vaccination for both viruses is an important component of managing health care system capacity and ensuring care is available for those who need it. “Some people are more vulnerable to serious complications and hospitalization from the flu and are encouraged to get the flu shot as soon as possible,” said Dr. Lee. Those considered at higher risk for the flu include:

People who are pregnant People who are residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities People aged 65 and over All children aged six months to four years Indigenous peoples Adults or children aged six months and older with chronic conditions Health service providers

Pig, poultry and animal shelter workers should also get the flu shot as early as possible to prevent the spread of flu viruses between human and animal populations.

The flu shot is now available free of charge to all residents over the age of six months through primary care providers and at local pharmacies for those aged two and over. For those at higher risk, the flu vaccine is also available in other settings, such as long-term care homes, nursing homes, certain workplaces, hospitals, and community health centers. Seasonal flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory diseases, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu shot won’t protect against COVID-19, but it will help reduce the risk of getting flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which could put people at higher risk for serious complications. People five years of age and older who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time. For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at www.smdhu.org/flu or call the Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721 -7520 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m

title: “The Health Unit Urges Residents To Get A Flu Shot " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-29” author: “Michael Sellers”

SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE ******************** Flu season is upon us and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) strongly urges residents to get the flu shot to better protect themselves, their families, the community and the health care system this fall and winter. “This year, it is critical that all beneficiaries get their annual flu shot,” said Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of SMDHU. “The low rates of flu over the past two seasons mean that our immunity to the flu virus is lower than usual. Combined this year with reduced public health measures such as coverage and social distancing, we expect it could be a more severe flu season.” Vaccination against seasonal influenza remains the most effective way to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of the disease. It can also help reduce the chances that people will need medical attention or hospitalisation. With ongoing COVID-19 activity in the community, up-to-date vaccination for both viruses is an important component of managing health care system capacity and ensuring care is available for those who need it. “Some people are more vulnerable to serious complications and hospitalization from the flu and are encouraged to get the flu shot as soon as possible,” said Dr. Lee. Those considered at higher risk for the flu include:

People who are pregnant People who are residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities People aged 65 and over All children aged six months to four years Indigenous peoples Adults or children aged six months and older with chronic conditions Health service providers

Pig, poultry and animal shelter workers should also get the flu shot as early as possible to prevent the spread of flu viruses between human and animal populations.

The flu shot is now available free of charge to all residents over the age of six months through primary care providers and at local pharmacies for those aged two and over. For those at higher risk, the flu vaccine is also available in other settings, such as long-term care homes, nursing homes, certain workplaces, hospitals, and community health centers. Seasonal flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory diseases, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu shot won’t protect against COVID-19, but it will help reduce the risk of getting flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which could put people at higher risk for serious complications. People five years of age and older who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time. For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at www.smdhu.org/flu or call the Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721 -7520 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m