It takes a village to raise a child…and a community to help protect one. Easton’s family hopes that people will get their flu shots this season.

Easton is 3 years old, lives in Saugeen Shores, and was recently diagnosed with cancer. His immune system is now weakened (immunosuppressed), so the effects of getting influenza could be devastating for him. He got his flu shot, but the flu vaccine may not be as effective as it would be when his immune system is working well. His siblings, parents and grandparents also got their shots, knowing that this will help prevent spread of the virus to their vulnerable loved one. But more is needed to protect Easton, and others in the community who are at high risk from influenza.

“Every time we take him out to do simple things like watch a sibling’s hockey game or go to the grocery store, it becomes a minefield that we now have to navigate through.” says Easton’s mother, Alicia. “Getting the flu shot can literally save his life or any other immunocompromised person in (the) community.”

Influenza makes about 5 million Canadians sick every year. That’s 1 in every 7 of us. The flu vaccine is the best defense. No vaccine is 100% effective, but getting the flu shot also decreases the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of complications associated with influenza. It also helps prevent the spread of influenza to others.

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect Easton. Protect your community.

Get your flu shot from your doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy. For more information about influenza and the flu shot, go to: https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit