Seasonal flu clinics for people age 65 and over!

This year it’s a different flu season!  In October, Ontario will provide seasonal flu shots to people aged 65 and over and residents of long-term care homes. In November, all Ontarians will be offered the H1N1 flu vaccine. The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care is planning to offer the seasonal flu vaccine to the rest of the province following the H1N1 flu vaccine.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit flu clinics will start on October 13 and will take place throughout the five Eastern Counties. People who are age 65 and over or who will be 65 by December 31, 2009 can get their seasonal flu shot.

“We know that seniors have a higher risk of complications due to the seasonal flu, which is one of the reasons we are targeting this population in October”, explains Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health.

For clinic dates and times, please check your mailbox or visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.eohu.ca.

Besides immunization, here are other measures you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hands.
• Stay home when you’re sick, and keep your children home when they’re sick.
• Avoid visiting hospitals or long-term care facilities if you’re unwell.
• Keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected.

For more information or to watch hand hygiene videos, visit www.eohu.ca or call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for the Health Line.

please visit our sponsors: