Renfrew County and District Health Unit wants to remind the public that the free flu vaccine is now
available to all people living, working, or attending school in Ontario who are six months of age and
older.
Getting vaccinated will be more important as the weather continues to get colder and more
activities move indoors.
“Current viral COVID-19 infection rates are persistently high, and influenza has arrived early in North
America after a tough season in the southern hemisphere. We are seeing unprecedented
hospitalization of children from a third virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
These are all indications that we are going to have a challenging winter. Therefore, I encourage everyone to get a flu shot and
the next COVID-19 vaccine available to them. You owe it to yourselves, to your family, friends and to
the community at large.
Safety and good health are our priority,” states Dr. Cushman.
The flu vaccine will be offered alongside the COVID-19 vaccine at the community vaccination clinics.
Anyone five years of age or older will be able to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same
time.
Those six months to four years of age can receive other vaccines 14 days prior to or after
receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Click here to view the latest COVID-19 &; Flu Clinic Schedule.
The best way to protect each other, including those who are most at risk of experiencing severe
outcomes resulting from COVID-19 or flu infections, is to reduce the spread of these viruses by:
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines (including the bivalent booster dose, which is
available to those 12 years of age and older).
Receiving the free flu shot.
Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve, not your hand.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Staying at home if you are sick.
Cleaning high touch surfaces regularly, such as countertops, telephones and keyboards as flu
viruses live on surfaces for up to eight hours.
Currently, walk-in appointments are accepted at all COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics, aside from the
Novavax clinics, where appointments are still required.
For more information on the COVID-19
vaccine, including how to book a Novavax COVID-19 vaccination appointment, visit
https://www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronavirus-covid19-vaccine-rollout/.
For more information on the flu vaccine, including which options are available for those 65 years of age or older, visit
https://www.rcdhu.com/clinics-classes/flu-clinics/.
You can also get your flu shot from participating local pharmacies or your health care provider.