Stay Healthy With Your Free Flu Shot
November 10, 2011 2:00 PM
McGuinty Government Encourages Ontarians To Protect Themselves This Flu Season
Ontario is encouraging everyone to avoid getting sick this flu season by getting their annual flu shot.
The flu shot is a safe and effective way to stay healthy. Anyone six months of age and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario can get the flu shot free of charge. The vaccine is available through doctors' offices, workplace and community-based flu clinics and at some pharmacy locations.
The flu can leave people ill for up to seven days and can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia. The elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially at high risk of flu-related complications.
Getting the flu shot is an important way to keep our local economies strong - because a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
Quick Facts
- The vaccine can prevent the flu in about 70 to 90 per cent of healthy children and adults.
- An Ontario study showed that, every year, flu vaccination eliminates the need for over 200,000 visits to doctor's offices and 30,000 visits to hospital emergency departments. It also prevents approximately 300 deaths annually.
- It is impossible to get the flu from the flu shot.
Learn More
- Find out more about this year's flu shot at www.ontario.ca/flu.
- Use this online self-assessment tool if you think you have the flu.
- Find a flu shot clinic.
Contacts
- David Jensen
Communications Branch
416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca - For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only) - Media Line
Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
GTA: 416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca - Zita Astravas
Minister's Office
416-327-9728
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health