HURON-PERTH – As of Oct. 30, the COVID-19 XBB vaccine and the influenza vaccine (“flu shot”) are available to everyone aged six months and older.
Individuals can receive their next COVID-19 dose if it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
“We know that COVID-19 continues to circulate, and that flu has arrived in Huron-Perth,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron-Perth. “Both viruses can lead to serious illness, especially for older adults. Vaccination is the best protection and I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their COVID and flu vaccines this fall.”
Public Health officials say it is safe and convenient to receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. The vaccines are available through participating pharmacies, some primary care providers, and public health unit clinics. A list of pharmacies offering vaccine can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/.
For information on Huron Perth Public Health vaccine clinics, visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated. Clinics are taking place across Huron and Perth in November. Appointments are required, except for those under the age of five.
Appointments can be booked online at www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling 1-833-943-3900 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Keep preventing the spread of respiratory illness
As respiratory season continues and respiratory infections increase, Public Health officials encourage everyone to use layers of protection to prevent getting and spreading respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19.
Screen daily for signs of illness and stay home when you are sick. Stay home until all of the following apply:
– your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea);
– you do not have a fever;
– you do not develop any additional symptoms.
When you are no longer isolating, do the following for 10 days from when your symptoms started:
– wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in all public settings;
– avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, dining out);
– avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors).
More information about illness prevention, and local data about respiratory virus activity is available online at www.hpph.ca/illness.
