London, ON – Fall colours, shorter days and a chill in the air are not only sure signs of autumn’s return, but are also reminders that flu season is just around the corner. The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s annual influenza campaign kicks off this Thursday with the first of its 14 community-based influenza clinics. With the start of its flu clinics, the Health Unit is reminding residents that the best way to protect themselves and those around them is to get the free annual flu shot.
Community flu clinics are being held in London, Lucan, Strathroy, Ailsa Craig, Dorchester and Glencoe. In addition to these clinics, the Health Unit will also offer a special drive-through flu clinic for individuals who have mobility problems, compromised immune systems or conditions which would make it difficult to attend a community clinic. The drive-through clinic will be held on Saturday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Health Unit’s 50 King Street location and is by appointment only; to make an appointment call 519-663-5317 extension 2330.
“This year, it’s easier than ever to get your flu shot. Whether it’s at one of our clinics, a local pharmacy, doctor’s office, or workplace, the most important thing is to get vaccinated against influenza,” says Marlene Price, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “When you get the flu shot, you’re also protecting those around you who are most vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly, because if you don’t get sick, you can’t infect others.”
The Health Unit’s immunization clinics continue through November 29th, and are offered Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The flu vaccine is also available at the Health Unit’s 50 King Street Immunization Clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as pharmacies, health care providers and workplace clinics.
The flu vaccine is available free of charge to all Ontario residents over the age of six months. Each year a new vaccine is created based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which determines which circulating strains are most likely to cause seasonal infections.
The complete schedule of Community Influenza Vaccination Clinics follows this news release.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Marlene Price, Manager of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Middlesex-London Health Unit