Ontarians Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shot
January 5, 2011
Influenza Immunization Program Provides Protection Against The Flu
RN Jackie Jung administers a flu shot for the H1N1 Vaccine in 2009. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
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.
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.
