Appointment Line for Flu Shot Now Open

Wed, Oct 07, 2015

It’s that time of year again – flu season. The vaccine continues to be offered at no charge to all Ontario residents.

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a serious respiratory infection. People of any age can get influenza. Illness due to influenza usually lasts two to seven days; sometimes longer in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases. Some people can become very ill, possibly developing complications and requiring hospitalization.

The best defence against the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of serious illness and death due to influenza.

Sault Ste. Marie and area residents can make an appointment by calling 705-541-2332. Clinics in Sault Ste. Marie will be held at Algoma Public Health, located at 294 Willow Avenue. There is free parking for clients in front of the building.

Residents in the Algoma district (Blind River, Elliot Lake, Wawa and areas) can make an appointment by calling 1-800-469-2449. The appointment line is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Clinics in the district will be held at various locations. When you book your appointment, you will be given instructions on the location of your appointment.

Please wear a short-sleeved shirt and arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment.

Stay healthy this flu season. Here’s how:

• Get your flu shot. Learn more about staying home when your sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds.
• Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not in your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
• Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue).

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