Get your flu shot early!

Don't wait until there is an outbreak. Protect yourself and those around you! Public Health will be offering a free walk-in flu immunization clinic on Tuesday, October 24 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound. Anyone six months of age and older can attend, no appointment necessary. Starting Oct 23, flu shots are also available through your health care provider and selected pharmacies.

The flu shot is the best way people over six months of age can protect themselves and their families from getting the flu. Certain individuals are at especially high risk; complications from influenza can have a greater impact on their health and increase the likelihood of hospitalizations. They include:

· Children aged 6 months to 5 years of age

· People aged 65 and older

· Children and adults with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, cancer)

· Residents of long-term care, retirement homes, or other chronic care facilities

· Pregnant women

· Indigenous people

If you are a health care worker, a household contact of those at high risk and/or a person who provides care to those under five years of age, you are capable of transmitting influenza to this high risk population. Immunize yourself and protect this vulnerable group.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit