Free Flu Shot Clinics for Families with Children Under 5 Years

Written by admin, October 30, 2014

October 30, 2014 – Public Health Reminds Parents Young Children at Higher Risk of Complications from the Flu

The Peterborough Public Health is running a series of Saturday flu shot clinics at no charge from November to January to ensure local children are protected from catching – and sp

reading – influenza.

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While more than 40 local pharmacies are offering free flu shots to residents, pharmacies cannot immunize children under five years old.  Parents wanting to get their children vaccinated must visit either their family healthcare provider or book an appointment at one of Public Health’s upcoming flu shot clinics.

“Young children – especially those under five – are among those at highest risk of serious illness and death from the flu,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This ag

e group is more susceptible to serious complications from the flu such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and more.  That’s why we recommend that the whole family gets their flu shot because it’s safe and the most effective way to prevent getting the flu.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that because children are in close proximity to one another either in school or when participating in extra-curricular activities, those aged 6-10 are most likely to spread the virus.

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the flu shot reduced children’s risk of hospital admissions by 74% during the 2010-2012 flu seasons.  The flu shot also helps protect other family members, including babies younger than six months who are too young to get the vaccine. Infants are more at risk of developing serious complications if they get sick with the flu.

The following clinics will be held at the Peterborough County City Public Health, 185 King Street in Peterborough by appointment only:

Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, November 22 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, December 20 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, January 3 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

To book an appointment, please call (705) 743-1000, ext. 260:

The Public Health is also offering a walk-in community clinic (no appointment necessary) in Millbrook:

Tuesday, November 25 | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Municipal Building Gymnasium, 988 County Road 10 Millbrook

To find out when and where other flu clinics are being offered throughout Peterborough City and County, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on the “Flu Clinic Locator” for a listing of nearby locations.

For more information about the flu shot and kids, visit https://www.ontario.ca/health-and-wellness/kids-and-flu-shot.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 


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