Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones!
Renfrew County and District Health Unit wants to remind the public that it’s flu season. The free flu vaccine will be available starting this week for everyone age six months or older.
Flu viruses are always changing, so vaccines against the flu are updated every year. Each flu season, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common flu viruses expected to go around. That’s why it’s important to get the flu shot every year.
Flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause mild to severe illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Children under five, pregnant women and seniors are especially at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu.
The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu. In addition to getting the flu shot, you should take everyday precautions:
* Clean your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
* Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, not your hand
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can spread this way
* Stay at home if you are sick and avoid contact with people who are sick with the flu
* Clean surfaces, such as countertops, telephones and keyboards; flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to eight hours
The flu shot is safe, and helps you stay healthy and avoid getting the flu.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit is offering 12 flu vaccination clinics across the County beginning Tuesday November 1st. No appointment necessary. For flu clinic dates and times, visit our website at www.rcdhu.com or call the Health Information Line at 613-735-6666 or 1-800-267-1097 ext. 666.
You can also get your flu shot from participating local pharmacies or your health care provider. Pharmacists can administer the vaccine to people aged five and over.
For Information about the nearest health unit or pharmacy flu shot clinic, visit the Flu Locator at www.ontario.ca/flu.
The following are the flu clinic dates and times:
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1 to 6 p.m.: Renfrew County and District Health Unit, 7 International Drive, Pembroke
Wednesday, November 16, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
COBDEN; Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre Cobden – 70 Main Street
Wednesday, November 23, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
BEACHBURG; Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre Beachburg – 20 Robertson Drive
