Flu vaccine clinics open this week

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It’s time to roll up the sleeve. Flu vaccinations are rolling out across Ontario this week and the provincial Health Minister is urging Ontarian’s to get their shot.
“I can assure you that the flu shot is the best defence we have against catching the flu.” Eric Hoskins.

But not all doctors agree. Dr. Neil Rau, an infectious disease specialist at Halton healthcare says the shot is the only intervention available to protect those at greatest risk but it’s not always successful in preventing the flu all together.

“It is not 100% effective and unfortunately the people we want to protect the most, seniors are only about 30%-40% effective.”

6-8 months in advance of the flu season an educated guess is made to predict what strain of influenza will make it’s way to Ontario. This year they are focused on H3-N2 Hong Kong virus. Dr. Rau says over the season things can change and a new strain can emerge. In that case the vaccine might not work as well. He says last year it was only 20% effective.

The free flu vaccine will be available in Ontario this week at pharmacies, clinics or at your own healthcare provider. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to offer you protection.