Respiratory illnesses, including flu, have arrived early this year and local healthcare partners are issuing an annual reminder to get vaccinated to protect against these threats.
Quinte Health, Hastings-Quinte Community Paramedics, Southeast Public Health and the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team are working together to help residents access flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines in their communities.
“Getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you this respiratory illness season,” said Dr. Sarah LeBlanc, family physician and Primary Care Network co-lead.
“Vaccination can reduce your risk of serious illness, and there are several convenient ways to get vaccinated in our community. I encourage residents to check their eligibility and make a plan to get vaccinated.”
RSV prevention is also available for eligible Ontarians. Ontario’s publicly funded RSV vaccine is available to all adults aged 75 and older, as well as adults aged 60 to 74 who meet certain high-risk criteria.
Protection against RSV is also available for eligible infants and high-risk children, as well as during pregnancy.
The Ministry of Health’s participating pharmacies web page provides a list of pharmacies offering vaccinations across the province.
Southeast Public Health provides details on vaccine eligibility on its website.
For people who are homebound and connected with Ontario Health atHome or Hastings-Quinte Community Paramedics, vaccination at home may be available, helping to remove transportation barriers.
