The Provincial Government is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get a flu shot this year. Beginning Monday, October 17, Regional Health Authorities will begin hosting free flu shot clinics. Residents can also receive their shots through their family physician or local pharmacy. Flu shots are provided free of charge.
Both pharmacists and physicians play an important role in administering flu shots. Physicians can administer the vaccine to everyone, regardless of age, and pharmacists can administer the vaccine to people five years of age and older.
Appointments for flu shot clinics hosted by the Regional Health Authorities can be booked online using the Public Health Immunization Booking website. Links to the website for each health authority can be found at www.timefortheshot.ca. Residents can also book an appointment by calling toll-free 1-833-951-3904. Walk-in appointments will be available in the coming weeks at a number of locations. Updates will be posted to the website regarding additional appointments and walk-in options, as the information becomes available.
Individuals are asked to bring their MCP card and wear short sleeves when they go to get their flu shot.
The Regional Health Authorities will also be administering flu shots to the following:
- Residents in long-term care homes; personal care homes and other residential care settings;
- Home support clients who are unable to attend public flu clinics;
- Individuals in correctional facilities;
- In-patients in acute care hospitals and health centres; and patients in other acute settings such as some ambulatory clinics; and,
- Clients admitted in mental health and addictions treatment settings.
Quotes
“For the past couple of years, we have focused primarily on the management of COVID-19 and the incidence of the flu virus has been relatively low. As we learn to live with COVID-19 and have more interactions on a regular basis, we also need to be aware that the prevalence of influenza will likely be greater this year, so we must ensure we protect ourselves against this resurgence.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Vaccines are safe and effective, have protected people for decades, and have greatly reduced diseases that once routinely adversely affected our populations. Vaccinations like the flu shot are one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others. This year we expect to see flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory diseases circulating in our communities at the same time. It is important that we take steps to reduce our risk as much as possible and get the shot.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald
Chief Medical Officer of Health
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Time for the Shot
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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 709-727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca