Back to SearchThe sooner that a person is immunized against influenza, the sooner they are protected from this contagious and potentially dangerous illness. It is also important to get immunized to protect vulnerable people such as the elderly and those who are too young to be immunized. KFL&A Public Health recommends that all KFL&A area residents, not just the young and the elderly, get immunized as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
“You get the greatest protection by being immunized before the influenza season starts. Waiting to be immunized until influenza is in our community is too late,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health. “The only way to ensure that a person is protected is to get the vaccine and to get immunized as soon as the vaccine is available.”
Influenza disease usually starts in December and peaks during January or February. As it takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies that protect against influenza, it is best to get vaccinated well before the virus begins circulating in the community.
“Influenza immunization is the safest, most effective and best defense for keeping people healthy during the influenza season,” said Dr. Moore. “Everyone who is six months of age and older is eligible for annual influenza immunization. It is especially important that those at high risk for influenza-related complications such as those with chronic diseases or those who live or work with people who are at high risk for complications, hospitalizations or death, receive influenza vaccine.”
People cannot get influenza from influenza vaccine. Most people have no reaction at all to influenza vaccine, and almost all of those who do have only minor side effects, such as a sore arm or mild fever.
“Getting your flu shot helps to prevent hospitalizations and a large impact on the local health care system.” said Dr. Moore. “Now more than ever we need every spare bed to protect any individuals that may need hospitalization due to COVID-19.”
In the KFL&A area, there are many simple ways to get influenza immunization. Influenza immunizations are available to residents 6 months of age and older. Influenza immunizations are available from:
- Your primary care provider or family doctor
- Your local pharmacist
- KFL&A Public Health has flu clinics, beginning in October. Clinics are for those who are under the age of 5 and do not have a health care provider, are at high-risk for influenza complications and do not have a health care provider who offers flu immunization, or who do not have Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.
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The sooner that a person is immunized against influenza, the sooner they are protected from this contagious and potentially dangerous illness. It is also important to get immunized to protect vulnerable people such as the elderly and those who are too young to be immunized. KFL&A Public Health recommends that all KFL&A area residents, not just the young and the elderly, get immunized as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
“You get the greatest protection by being immunized before the influenza season starts. Waiting to be immunized until influenza is in our community is too late,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health. “The only way to ensure that a person is protected is to get the vaccine and to get immunized as soon as the vaccine is available.”
Influenza disease usually starts in December and peaks during January or February. As it takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies that protect against influenza, it is best to get vaccinated well before the virus begins circulating in the community.
“Influenza immunization is the safest, most effective and best defense for keeping people healthy during the influenza season,” said Dr. Moore. “Everyone who is six months of age and older is eligible for annual influenza immunization. It is especially important that those at high risk for influenza-related complications such as those with chronic diseases or those who live or work with people who are at high risk for complications, hospitalizations or death, receive influenza vaccine.”
People cannot get influenza from influenza vaccine. Most people have no reaction at all to influenza vaccine, and almost all of those who do have only minor side effects, such as a sore arm or mild fever.
“Getting your flu shot helps to prevent hospitalizations and a large impact on the local health care system.” said Dr. Moore. “Now more than ever we need every spare bed to protect any individuals that may need hospitalization due to COVID-19.”
In the KFL&A area, there are many simple ways to get influenza immunization. Influenza immunizations are available to residents 6 months of age and older. Influenza immunizations are available from:
· Your primary care provider or family doctor
· Your local pharmacist
· KFL&A Public Health has flu clinics, beginning in October. Clinics are for children 5 years old without a family doctor, individuals at high-risk for influenza complications without a family doctor, and individuals without Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Clinics are by appointment only.
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