Get your flu shot, COVID booster – Durham Health department

With COVID-19 numbers back on the rise over the past month – wastewater viral signals remain high showing that the virus continues to circulate in the community – and cold and flu season in full swing, Durham Region’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is asking residents to get vaccinated and get your annual flu shot.

Local flu activity is high with more than 500 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza already reported this season. There were only 84 laboratory-confirmed cases for the entire 2021/2022 flu season. Flu cases are highest in our youngest residents, zero to four-years old. Up to date flu data are available on the Durham Region Flu Tracker.

To protect yourself and your loved ones against the respiratory viruses that are actively circulating, residents are reminded to get their annual flu shot, as well as a COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months. The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses and one vaccine will not protect against both viruses.

As an additional layer of protection, masks are strongly recommended in indoor public settings, including schools and childcare settings. Wearing a mask continues to be an effective public health measure for reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses. Additionally, please continue to practice good hand hygiene.