Flu Vaccines Available
Dear HealthCare 365 Community,
The 2018-2019 Influenza (Flu) season has arrived. We, along with NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) are recommending the Influenza vaccine to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu.
Thank you to everyone who has already been vaccinated for being proactive in your health and helping our community as a whole! Please use this email as a reminder to help spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Drop in Flu Vaccines Days at HealthCare 365 (no appointment required)
Thursday October 25th from 10am - 4:30 pm
Friday October 26th from 9am - 4:30pm
Friday November 2nd from 9am - 4:30pm
To receive your flu vaccine at a different time, please call (416) 642-9160 to book an appointment. You can also receive your flu vaccine while you are in the clinic for another appointment in the next couple of months.
If you receive have already received your flu vaccine at a pharmacy or other location, please let your Care Co-ordinator Jessica (jessica.rogers@healthcare365.org) or Tanya (tanya.radforth@healthcare365.org) know so that they can update your immunization record.
Why vaccinate against Influenza?
Influenza is a viral illness that affects up to 10-20% of the population in the Fall and Winter months. Symptoms typically include the sudden onset of headache, chills, cough, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children. Uncomplicated influenza infection causes symptoms of varying intensity lasting up to 10 days.
The vaccine reduces the chance of becoming ill with influenza, and reduces the risk of complications and hospitalization. Vaccinating also decreases the amount of influenza virus circulating in the community.
Rates of influenza infection are highest in children aged 5–9 years, but rates of serious illness and even death are highest in children aged under 2 years old, people over 65 years old, and persons with underlying medical conditions.
Who should be vaccinated?
All individuals 6 months of age or older (unless contraindicated).
It is very important for the following HIGH RISK groups of individuals and their close contacts to be vaccinated:
• Individuals with chronic disease conditions (heart, kidney, respiratory, diabetes, etc.)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• All pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Parents/caregivers of infants younger than 6 months
• Young children age 6 months to 5 years
• Anyone aged 65 years and older
Vaccine Options:
This year we are offering several different flu vaccine options, depending on your age:
FluMist Quadrivalent (2-17 years old)
FluMist is a vaccine nasal spray against 4 strains of influenza. This is a weakened live version of the influenza virus that will produce mild nasal symptoms. Current Canadian and European research shows that FluMist provides equivalent protection for the 2 to 17 year age group against the Flu, compared to the intramuscular needle. It is covered by OHIP and is is expected to be available at doctor's offices and pharmacies on October 29th.
Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine (6 months - 65 years old)
This vaccine protects agains 4 strains of influenza. It does NOT contain live virus, unlike FluMist.
It is covered by OHIP and is available at doctor's offices and pharmacies.
Fluzone High Dose Vaccine (65+ years old)
This vaccine protects against 3 strains of influenza. This is a higher dose flu vaccine indicated only for people 65 and older as it has been demonstrated to be more effective in this population. The High-Dose flu vaccine for people 65 years and older is available ay doctor's offices. It will not be available at pharmacies, but unlike previous years, it is now covered by OHIP.
Have a great day and help protect everyone during Flu season!
The HealthCare 365 Team
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