Ontario Expands Flu Immunization Program
December 4, 2009 1:30 PM
Seasonal and H1N1 flu shots now available to everyone
Ontario is now offering seasonal flu shots, in addition to H1N1 flu shots in convenient settings across the province. Until now, seasonal flu vaccination was limited to people age 65 and over and residents of long-term care homes.
Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots will be offered in familiar settings such as workplace clinics and doctors' offices. Mass immunization clinics are winding down as more convenient locations offer flu shots closer to where people work, study and play.
This marks the 10th year that Ontario is offering free
seasonal flu immunization to everyone in the province over six months of age. All Ontarians are encouraged to get their H1N1
and seasonal flu shots to protect themselves from illness and prevent spread of
flu in their families and communities.
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-800-476-9708 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
QUICK FACTS
- Flu pandemics historically last 12 to 18 months.
- Ontario's flu season historically runs between October and April with peaks of flu activity around December/January.
- Those at high risk of seasonal flu include the elderly, the very young, and those with pre-existing health conditions that compromise their immune systems.
LEARN MORE
CONTACTS
- David Jensen
Communications Branch
416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca - Ivan Langrish
Minister's Office
416-326-3986
- For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only) - Media Line
Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
GTA: 416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca
ontario.ca/health
"We have an opportunity before all of us today to prevent a potential third wave of H1N1 flu in Ontario simply by being immunized. Further illness and death we have seen from H1N1 is preventable and we have a perfectly matched vaccine available now."
– Dr. Arlene King
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Communities
