Family Health Team runs out of vaccine – flu shots only available at pharmacies in Espanola
Going to a local pharmacy is your only option for the flu shot in the Espanola area.
Registered nurse, Chelsea Sisson, says the Espanola Family Health Team has already gone through its quotas of shots.
She adds flu clinics set for late October (22nd and 24th) have had to be cancelled.
This season’s flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes two influenza A viruses and 1 or 2 influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine you receive.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine, also known as a flu shot. Flu vaccine is safe and effective. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Most people do not have reactions to the flu vaccine. Severe reactions are very rare.
Getting a flu vaccine is a simple action that can save lives by:
- protecting you if you are exposed to the virus
- preventing you from getting very sick
- helping protect other people because you are less likely to spread the virus to others
Everyone 6 months and older should get the vaccine. This is especially important for:
- people who are at high risk of complications
- those who are especially capable of spreading the flu to those at higher risk
It is important that you get a new flu vaccine every year because the:
- effectiveness of the vaccine can wear off, so you need a new one every year to stay protected
- type of flu virus usually changes from year to year
- experts create a new vaccine to protect you each flu season
Ask your health care provider about getting the vaccine. You can also find a location near you (such as a pharmacy or public health clinic) to get the vaccine.
Be sure to bring your OHIP card for identification to the identification and there is no charge for flu shots.
