London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s annual influenza immunization campaign gets underway this week. With flu season right around the corner the Health Unit will hold the first of its nine community-based immunization clinics on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre at 656 Elizabeth Street in London. There will be seven clinics held at various London locations and two in Middlesex County. The complete community-based influenza immunization clinic schedule is available on the Health Unit’s website at: www.healthunit.com/influenza-vaccination-clinics.
“Last year was one of the most intense flu seasons in memory with a higher number of outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. We’re hoping that recent memory prompts people to get the flu shot this year, whether it’s at one of our clinics, from a health care provider or from a pharmacy,” says Marlene Price, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Disease with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “The flu shot is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your family and those around you from influenza. If you don’t become ill, you can’t make others sick.”
The community-based influenza clinics run until December 10th. In addition to the community clinics, the Health Unit will once again be offering a by-appointment only drive-through flu clinic on Saturday October, 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 50 King Street in London. The drive-through flu clinic is for those who have a mobility problem, a compromised immune system or anyone who would find crowds overwhelming. Those interested in attending the drive-through clinic can call 519-663-5317 extension 2330 to make an appointment.
The single most important way to prevent serious illness and death caused by influenza is to receive the annual influenza vaccination, which is available free of charge to all residents of Ontario six months of age and older. New this year is that those with an egg allergy can receive the influenza vaccine, based on new studies that show this to be safe. Previously, those allergic to eggs were not given the vaccine, which contains a small amount of egg protein.
Individuals who are allergic to eggs and have more severe reactions should see their health care provider, while those with a milder reaction can be vaccinated at Health Unit clinics.
Media Contact:
Trudy Sweetzir, Communications Assistant, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 663-5317 ext. 2448
Spokesperson:
Marlene Price, Manager of Vaccine Preventable Disease, Middlesex-London Health Unit