Starting Oct. 23, the regional health authorities will begin hosting public health clinics, the Department of Health and Community Services said in a news release.
For more information on scheduled clinics, residents can visit the links below or call the Healthline at 811 to find the nearest clinic.
Eastern Health — www.easternhealth.ca/FluClinics
Central Health – www.centralhealth.nl.ca
Western Health – www.westernhealth.nl.ca
Labrador-Grenfell Health – www.lghealth.ca
People can still get a flu shot free of charge as part of an office visit with their family physician, the department said.
Alternatively, residents can visit a local pharmacy. If they receive their prescriptions under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP), they can get their flu shot for free at participating pharmacies. If they are not a beneficiary, the pharmacy may charge a fee for the service.
Influenza, or the flu, is an infection that can be caused by several types of influenza virus. These viruses spread easily during the winter months, infecting the nose, throat and lungs. The best time for a person to get vaccinated is from October to December, the department said.
“Talk to your community public health office, doctor, nurse or pharmacist about getting vaccinated this year. The vaccine is safe and I encourage everyone to get a flu shot,” Health and Community Services Minister John Haggie said in the news release.
“Influenza usually hits this province in the winter months starting in December. Be prepared and get the shot this fall, especially if you are over 65, or have a chronic illness or are pregnant. Even children can benefit from having a flu shot. Flu vaccine is our best weapon to prevent illness this winter,” said Dr. David Allison, chief medical officer of health.
