Area residents encouraged to get their annual flu shot and the new COVID-19 vaccine

Whitby, Ontario – Respiratory viral illness season is here, and Durham Region Health Department encourages area residents to protect themselves and others by getting their annual influenza (flu) vaccine, as well as the updated COVID-19 KP.2 vaccine which targets circulating variants.

The flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus which causes a contagious respiratory viral illness. The updated COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have shown to be very effective in lowering the risk of becoming infected with these respiratory viruses and preventing severe illness and complications, including hospitalization and death. It is safe to receive both the flu and the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Both vaccines are free of charge and recommended for individuals six months and older.

Individuals six months and older who have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19 are encouraged to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, if it has been six months since their last COVID-19 vaccination. Durham Region residents can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at select health care providers and participating pharmacies. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/ for a list of participating pharmacy locations.

Parents of children six months to two-years old who do not have access to a health care provider and who wish to have their child receive the flu vaccine, are encouraged to call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

Clinic appointments for COVID-19 vaccine are available through the Health Department for children six-months to four-years old who cannot be vaccinated at local pharmacies or through a health care provider. Appointments can be booked online by visiting durhamvaccinebooking.ca.

For more information about both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, visit durham.ca/flu and durham.ca/covidvaccines.