Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
October 1, 2024
Respiratory Season Vaccine Update
It is that time again for people to think about the upcoming respiratory illness season. The Health Unit has been receiving calls and emails from LGL residents looking for information about flu and COVID vaccines available for this season. Here are some frequently asked questions:
INFLUENZA (Flu) VACCINE:
When can I get flu vaccine?
- High risk individuals will be eligible as of October 1
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely
- Immune-compromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
- Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or
- Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older
- High risk individuals will be able to access the vaccine through their primary care provider or at their long term care or retirement home. Some pharmacies may also receive supply for high risk individuals.
- The general population will be eligible as of October 28th, and will be able to access the vaccine through their primary care provider or through pharmacies.
What Influenza vaccines are available in Ontario this fall?
- Only vaccines administered through a needle will be publicly funded (available for free) in Ontario. The nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) will not be publicly funded.
Can I get the flu from the vaccine?
- No, all vaccines are ‘inactivated’ meaning there is no live virus in the vaccine.
- As the body’s immune system creates protection against the flu after vaccination, some people can have adverse reactions that include fever and fatigue. The flu vaccine does not cause other flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or breathing problems. The vaccine can prevent severe flu infections that can lead to hospitalization.
Who is at greater risk of having serious infections with influenza?
- Adults and children with chronic health conditions,
- Residents in long term and chronic care facilities,
- Adults 65 years of age and older,
- Children under age 5
- Pregnant individuals
- Indigenous Peoples.
COVID VACCINE:
What COVID vaccines are available this fall?
- The newest version of the Moderna vaccine has been approved and will be available soon
- The newest version of the Pfizer vaccine is about to be approved and will become available soon afterwards
- Novavax is approved, but not available to be administered in Canada at this time.
When can I get COVID vaccine?
- High risk individuals will be eligible as of October 1st Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely
- Immune-compromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
- Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or
- Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older
- High risk individuals will be able to access the vaccine through their primary care provider or at their long term care or retirement home. Some pharmacies may also receive supply for high risk individuals.
- The general population will be eligible as of October 28th, and will be able to access the vaccine through their primary care provider or through pharmacies.
Where can you get COVID-19 or Flu vaccines?
- COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available through most pharmacies and primary care providers as of November 1.
- Residents in long term care facilities may receive vaccine at their home in October.
- The Health Unit will not be holding clinics for the general public for COVID-19 or Influenza vaccines.
Can I get COVID 19 vaccine at the same time as Flu vaccine?
- COVID vaccine and FLU vaccines are safe to receive at the same time for the majority of individuals
I had a COVID infection recently, is it ok to get my flu shot – when should I get a COVID vaccination?
- Once your COVID symptoms have decreased, and you no longer have active symptoms of fever and coughing, you are able to get immunized for Flu.
- Recommendation is to wait 6 months before receiving another dose of COVID vaccine, or 3 months if you are in a high risk group
Who should be immunized?
- Everyone over 6 months of age is eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and are recommended to receive both. This recommendation is particularly strong for those ages 65 and over, as well as those at high risk for severe infection, including pregnant individuals. People who are more likely to transmit to high-risk individuals are also recommended to receive the vaccines, including healthcare and childcare providers, as well as household members of those at high risk.
Where can you get more information about influenza and COVID vaccines?
- Visit this website to learn more about the Influenza Vaccine.
- Visit this website to learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines.
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