To avoid getting sick over holidays, get your shots now: public health

GUELPH – Local public health officials are echoing a statement from the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, to get flu and COVID-19 shots before the holidays arrive.

Moore issued a statement on Dec. 9 urging Ontarians – especially children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions – to keep their vaccinations up to date.

“Respiratory illness season typically begins in the fall and lasts through the winter months, when colder weather and indoor gatherings make it easier for viruses to spread,” Moore said.

“This includes several common viruses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.”

Moore said COVID-19 and RSV activity is relatively low right now, “but flu season is officially here, and cases are steadily increasing.”

The flu shot is one of the most effective ways of protecting against influenza, he said.

“Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of catching the flu and, most importantly, lowers the chance of severe illness, hospitalization and serious complications.”

Free flu and COVID-19 shots are available to anyone over six months of age at participating pharmacies, doctor and nurse practitioner offices or public health unite.

RSV immunization is available for eligible groups, including adults aged 75 and older, infants and pregnant women.

“As the holidays approach, let’s all remember the simple steps that make a big difference: Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, clean shared surfaces regularly, and stay home if you are sick,” Moore said.

Local health unit

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health associate medical officer of health Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum shared similar sentiments.

“Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” he said.

“Getting vaccinated is a simple step that helps protect not only your health, but also the health of your family, friends and community. I strongly encourage everyone to get their flu and COVID-19 shots this holiday season.”

As of Dec. 11, there are outbreaks of respiratory illness at Dufferin Oaks in Shelburne, Eden House in Guelph/Eramosa, the Elliott Community in Guelph and Wellington Terrace in Aboyne.

Wellington Terrace and Dufferin Oaks also have influenza outbreaks.

Public health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as do many pharmacies and doctors’ offices. Visit wdgpublichealth.ca for more information.

Hospitals join call

Hospitals in Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Wellington County have also made a joint statement urging residents to be vaccinated against these common ailments.

“Hospitals are urging the public to receive vaccinations, wash hands frequently, wear a mask when appropriate, and stay home when unwell to help limit the spread of respiratory illness,” it reads.

Hospital officials also urge people to receive the right care in the right place should they become ill over the holidays.

Officials point to two new online resources that can help people decide if they need to go to an emergency department, and where to go if they don’t:

• KnowYourCareOptions.ca provides guidance, resources and a listing of local health care partners created in partnership with Waterloo-Wellington region hospitals and Ontario Health Teams; and
• UrgentCareOntario.ca offers virtual urgent-care appointments fully covered for those with an Ontario health card.

“As hospitals prioritize the sickest patients first, non-urgent cases may face longer waits” in hospital emergency departments, the joint statement reads.

It also asks all patients to remain patient and respectful when seeking care.

“As respiratory illness season takes hold, hospitals across Waterloo-Wellington regions are reminding residents that simple prevention measures can help protect community health and reduce growing pressures on local emergency departments,” it states.