The first Chatham-Kent Public Health community seasonal flu shot clinic is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 10, 2014 and will run from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 99 Thomas Street, Wallaceburg.
This year the Health Unit will hold 6 community clinics at various locations throughout Chatham-Kent from November 10 until November 26th.
Free seasonal flu shots are available to anyone over the age of six months. Children under the age of 9 may need 2 shots given 28 days apart, if they have not received a seasonal flu shot in the past.
Adults may also receive their tetanus shot if it hasn’t been given in the past 10 years and/or the pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot if eligible.
Each year an estimated 10-25% of Canadians get the seasonal flu. Illness due to the seasonal flu typically lasts from two to seven days. Although most recover completely, an estimated four to eight thousand Canadians, mostly seniors, die every year from pneumonia related to flu and many others may die from serious complications.
As a result of flu-related illness, younger adults may experience significant time off work, resulting in decreased pay, and the inability to meet personal, family or school commitments. Young children are at increased risk of being hospitalized because of the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu shot is one of the best ways to protect individuals and their loved ones from the seasonal flu.
Clinics run on a first come-first serve basis. No appointment is necessary. A paperless system will be used at the clinics, so please bring your health card and driver’s license. You can still receive the shot if you don’t bring these pieces of ID. It is easier for nurses to give the shot if individuals wear short sleeved shirts. After the flu shot, people will be asked to wait 15 minutes for observation purposes before leaving the clinic.
Seasonal flu shots are also available at family doctor and nurse practitioner offices, Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres, pharmacies and various workplace clinics throughout Chatham-Kent. If you or a loved one are hospitalized, please ask your healthcare provider about the seasonal influenza vaccine.
For more information about the seasonal flu shot, visit www.ontario.ca/flu. For information about other upcoming clinics, please visit “Stay Healthy This Flu Season” on the Public Health Unit’s blog at www.ckphu.com and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s website at www.chatham-kent.ca or call the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-355-1071.55-1071.
