Grey-Bruce residents can now get their flu shot at participating pharmacies, through their health care provider, or at scheduled Public Health vaccine clinics.

In a November 1 media release, the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) recommends that everyone aged six months and older without contraindications to the influenza vaccine receive the flu shot this fall.

“With influenza and COVID-19 co-circulating in the community this respiratory illness season," Public Health is advising residents get vaccinated against both viruses, said GBHU Physician Consultant Dr Rim Zayed.

Similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent serious illness and complications from the virus against which it's designed to protect, said Zayed, adding that the influenza vaccine has a long standing safety record.

"It’s much safer to get the vaccine than to get sick with the flu," said Zayed.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) said the flu vaccine is especially recommended for the following:
• people at high risk of severe disease, influenza-related complications or hospitalization;
• people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk;
• people who provide essential community services;
• anyone in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza during culling operations

The Grey Bruce Health Unit has scheduled walk-in influenza vaccine clinics at the Public Health building, 101 17th Street East in Owen Sound, on November 17, 24 and December 8 from 9am to noon and on December 1 from 1 to 4pm.

Public Health received its first shipments of this year’s influenza vaccines earlier this month and, following the recommendations of the NACI, prioritized the most vulnerable populations including those aged 65 and older, nursing home residents, and individuals with chronic health conditions.