Local flu shot campaign starting to roll out

Point Edward, ON - Lambton residents will be able to access the free influenza (flu) vaccine beginning Monday, October 21 from various locations across Lambton County.

Flu shots will be available at local pharmacies, health-care providers, and scheduled community clinics. Visit one of the 34 pharmacies in Lambton County, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner, or plan to attend a community walk-in clinic. Pharmacists can only provide the flu vaccine to individuals 5 years of age and older.

The flu shot vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months of age and older. Adults 65 years and older have 2 vaccine options. They should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best vaccine for them and options to receive that vaccine.

Visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca for a list of clinics, dates, and participating pharmacies along with a location map.

Community clinics:

• Friday, October 25: Lambton Public Health, Point Edward, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 31: Fiddick's Nursing Home, Petrolia, 9 a.m.-12 noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 1: Lambton Public Health, Point Edward, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 14: Rutherford Fire Hall, Dawn-Euphemia, 12 noon-3 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 21: Lambton College, Sarnia, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26: The Inn of the Good Shepherd, Sarnia, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• By appointment at Central Lambton Family Health Team, Petrolia. Call 519-882-2500.

"It's difficult to predict the severity of the flu virus this season, but we are monitoring the situation and prepared for any early or unusual influenza activity," said Dr. Erin Courtney, supervisor with Lambton Public Health. "Protect yourself and protect others by getting a seasonal flu shot; it's the safest way to prevent the spread of flu and the best way to protect loved ones."

Flu season typically runs November to April when temperatures fall and people are in closer contact indoors. After getting the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect and provide protection. Protection lasts 4-6 months.

Influenza is one of the most communicable diseases. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces. The illness lasts 2-7 days; sometimes longer in the elderly and those with health problems. It's a respiratory disease which is not to be confused with a stomach illness involving vomiting or diarrhea.

Among those at high risk of influenza-related complications are:

• Adults 65 years of age or older
• Infants and children six months to under 5 years of age
• Individuals with a chronic health condition
• Pregnant women
• Residents in a long-term care home or other chronic care facility
• Indigenous Peoples

Individuals capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk:

• Health-care workers
• Household contacts of those at high risk
• Individuals in contact with children under five years of age

Ways to prevent and control the spread of the flu:

• Get the flu shot
• Clean your hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough - use a tissue or sleeve
• Keep surfaces clean
• If you're sick, stay home

For information about influenza, prevention, and where to access the free flu shot vaccine, visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca, or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.

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Please contact:

Dr. Erin Courtney, EdD, RN
Supervisor
County of Lambton
519-383-8331 ext. 3503