What you need to know about getting the flu shot in Mississauga
Published October 29, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Now, more than ever is protecting yourself from the flu crucial in order to avoid illnesses that may be confused with COVID-19 amid the pandemic.
This year, flu shots are only available by appointment due to COVID-19 precautions and walk-ins are not accepted.
The public is reminded to wear a non-medical mask during all flu shot appointments and to maintain physical distance from others.
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The free flu shot is available by appointment at family doctors’ offices and walk-in clinics for adults and children over 6 months of age, participating pharmacies for adults and children over 5 years of age.
Participating pharmacies can also provide high dose flu shots for seniors age 65 and over.
Region of Peel clinics will provide flu shots for people living with housing support or in emergency shelters, those without OHIP, seniors and children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years old.
Appointments can be booked online at www.peelregion.ca/flu/.
For further protection against the flu, the public is reminded to wash or sanitize their hands often, avoid touching their faces, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and staying home when sick.
Additionally, it is important to disinfect surfaces like countertops, door handles, computer keyboards and phones as the flu virus can live on hard surfaces like these for up to 48 hours.
“It can be easy to confuse the flu with COVID-19 since both are respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Nicholas Brandon, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Peel Public Health.
“The flu shot won’t prevent COVID-19, but the flu vaccine contributes to overall health by helping to prevent seasonal flu infections.”
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