Healthcare workers, household contacts of those at high-risk and/or those who provide care to those under five are capable of spreading flu to this high-risk population.

With flu season taking place this year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people who get the influenza vaccine can help reduce the load on the healthcare system. People are able to get the vaccines from pharmacies, family doctors and public health clinics.

-Your doctor or nurse practitioner at your regular medical office; pharmacies do not offer flu vaccine to children under 5 years, -If you are not rostered with a medical office, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit to make an appointment with us, -Your doctor or nurse practitioner at your regular medical office. People can receive their vaccine through their healthcare provider and local participating pharmacies. For the 2020/2021 season, if you’re 65 and older, there are two different flu shots available; standard-dose and high-dose. -people 65 years old and older, because their immune systems are weaker and they are more likely to have an underlying condition that increases their risk

Both shots are effective – do not delay getting vaccinated. In Ontario, the province has promised to prioritize the distribution of the vaccine to people in long-term care homes, hospitals and retirement home. The most important thing is for seniors to not delay, but get protected.

For the 2019/2020 season, if you're 65 and older, there are two different flu shots available – standard dose and high-dose. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the US Centers for Disease Control both advise that the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. -babies under six months are too young to get the flu shot, but they’ll get some protection if their parent got the flu shot while they were pregnant If the vaccine and the flu strain are a good match, the vaccine can prevent the flu in about 70%-90% of healthy children and adults.

“The best time to get vaccinated is from mid-September through the month of October,” says William Schaffner, M.D., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. In Ontario, flu shots are available in a variety of locations once they are distributed. -pregnant people, because their immune system, heart and lungs change, especially later in pregnancy, making them more likely to get seriously ill from the flu Do not wait for a particular product. To get the standard-dose vaccine, which protects against 4 strains of flu virus: Note: “ Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2020-2021 Influenza Season” has been published. Do not wait for a particular product. Flu shot availability began popping up at pharmacy chains and doctors’ offices this summer, but when it comes to getting the shot, earlier isn't better. People in Midwestern Ontario can now get their flu shots.

-people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.

Those at high-risk are more vulnerable to complications from flu.

BlackburnNews.com is a network of local newsrooms providing timely, accurate multimedia coverage of Southwestern and Midwestern Ontario. Getting the flu shot in 2020 is on the to-do list for many Toronto residents this time of year but especially so with COVID-19. (File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / casanowe).

Both the standard-dose and high-dose vaccines contain effective strains for people over the age of 65. Check for flu shot availability today FLU SHOT NOT AVAILABLE - Click on to receive an email or SMS notification when the flu shot is available FLU SHOT AVAILABLE - Click on to fill out the consent form before your visit to your local Shoppers Drug Mart.

That includes: The UIIP offers influenza vaccine free of charge each year to all individuals six months of age and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario. For the 2020/2021 season, if you’re 65 and older, there are two different flu shots available; standard-dose and high-dose. Flu shots will be available … The Grey Bruce Health Unit said the flu shot not only protects you, it helps protect those around you! Your doctor or nurse practitioner can answer any questions you might have. The following provides information about the Ontario Ministry of Health (the ministry's) Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) for the 2020/2021 influenza season.