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Ministry of Health : Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot

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  • Ministry of Health : Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot

    News Releases<!-- InstanceEndEditable --><!-- END Page Title --><!-- START Optional Subtitle --><!-- END Optional Subtitle --><!-- START Page Content --><!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="Content" -->

    Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot

    Influenza Immunization Program Provides Protection Against The Flu

    January 5, 2011
    News

    As the flu season gains momentum, and doctors, nurses and hospitals see marked increases in influenza cases, Ontarians are reminded to reduce their risk of catching the flu by getting immunized.

    The flu shot is a safe and effective way of keeping you and your family healthy. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions and people with weakened immune systems are at particularly higher risk of flu-related complications. Everyone is further encouraged to follow other infection-prevention behaviours, such as washing hands thoroughly and often, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve, and staying home when you?re sick. More information is available at www.ontario.ca/flu.

    This is the eleventh year that Ontario has committed to protecting the health of everyone and their families by offering, at no charge to the public, the influenza vaccine for anyone over six months old who lives, works or attends school in Ontario.

    QUOTES

    "It is very important to get your flu shot. This is no time to be complacent. Influenza is a serious, acute respiratory illness that can cause lost time at work or school, a slow recovery and, in some cases, even hospitalization. Check with your doctor or local public health unit on how you can get your free flu shot. The flu vaccine is well matched to the flu strains circulating in Ontario."
    ? Dr. David Williams, Ontario?s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health

    QUICK FACTS
    • This year?s flu vaccine includes protection against the H3N2 flu strain, the predominant strain currently circulating in Ontario, as well as two other strains that are more prevalent in other parts of the world.
    • In the past, seasonal flu has resulted in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations every year in Ontario, as well as 300 deaths annually.
    • Studies have shown that flu shots decrease the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death among the elderly and people of all ages with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung and kidney disease. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in high-risk persons under 65 years old are also reduced.
    • Studies have also shown that getting the flu shot can reduce the risk of first-time heart attacks.
    LEARN MORE

    Find out where you can get your free flu shot.
    Learn more about Ontario?s flu shot program.
    Watch videos to learn more about the flu shot.

    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2
    Ministry of Health : Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot

    Ontarians Encouraged To Get Immunized Against The Flu

    January 13, 2011 12:30 PM

    "I got my shot and I encourage everyone to get their flu shot. Not only are you protecting yourself from the flu, but you are also protecting your family by preventing the illness from spreading. There are many places to get your shot, and you have a number of options in the community if it comes to being treated for the flu as well."

    ? Deb Matthews
    Minister of Health and Long-Term Care



    <HR class=hr_divider>"Getting a flu shot is a proven, safe and effective way to promote good health and prevent illness."

    ? Dr. David Williams
    Ontario's Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health


    Immunization Program Still Available

    Ontarians are being encouraged to get immunized as flu activity continues to increase across the province.

    Flu activity is currently higher than at this time in previous years and hospitals are reporting that they are treating an influx of flu patients.

    The flu is a serious, acute respiratory illness that is easily transmitted person to person or even through direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the influenza virus. The good news is that it can be easily avoided with a simple vaccination. People are further encouraged to follow other infection-prevention behaviours, such as washing hands thoroughly and often, sneezing and coughing into their sleeves, and staying home when they're sick.

    In particular, those at higher risk of influenza related complications are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. These include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

    The flu shot is a safe and effective way of keeping you and your family healthy.

    This is the eleventh year that Ontario has committed to protecting the health of everyone and their families by offering, at no charge to the public, the influenza vaccine for anyone over six months old that lives, works or attends school in Ontario.


    QUICK FACTS


    • Some health units have re-opened flu clinics to immunize Ontarians.
    • This year's flu shot includes the H3N2 strain, which is the main circulating strain in Ontario.
    • In the past, seasonal flu has resulted in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations every year in Ontario, as well as 300 deaths annually.
    • Studies have shown that flu shots decrease the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death in the elderly. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in high-risk persons less than 65 years of age are also reduced.
    LEARN MORE


    ...
    Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
    ontario.ca/health

    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

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