Flu Shots

Pharmacies and doctors’ offices all over Ontario are preparing to immunize you against the seasonal flu. The East Wellington FHT’s flu clinics are now open for booking. Before you book, please be aware of some important factors:

We send out communications, starting with the older populations 65+ age group
We recognize that there are many conditions that increase flu risk and that patients with such conditions, ie. organ transplant recipients, chemotherapy patients, should also be prioritized, that risk is not just related to age. Please understand the importance of also accommodating these patients.
Flu immunization is a large-scale endeavor with good immunization coverage achieved when there are many options. Getting your flu shot at your local pharmacy is every bit as safe and effective as getting it at your doctor’s office
The best flu shot you can get is one that you can get in a timely manner. Year after year, the high-dose flu vaccine is difficult to obtain in large numbers. You may have had a high-dose vaccine recommended to you, but please note that we have no way of guaranteeing its availability. Rather than waiting for high dose, please accept a regular dose if it is offered. Dr. Pritish K. Tosh, MD, at the Mayo Clinic states, “Studies continue to evaluate the outcomes of high-dose flu vaccines. If research finds that outcomes are better than standard flu vaccines, high-dose flu vaccines may eventually become the vaccine of choice for older adults. But for now, it's most important for everyone to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine, whether it's a standard-dose or high-dose flu vaccine”.

Thank you for working in cooperation with us to effectively immunize you against seasonal flu.

30 Sep/2022

Flu shot clinics

► Only for patients of East Wellington Family Health Team
(by appointment only)

► Public Health and local pharmacies also offer flu shots

► If you have received your flu shot somewhere else, please click update or call our office so we can update your health records

► A regular dose is better than no dose in the event high-dose vaccine is unavailable

► Must complete a consent form and screening questionnaire & information

► Must wait 10 minutes after the flu shot to ensure no adverse reaction

► Our 2022 EWFHT flu clinics are now open for booking. Please follow the link provided in your email notification or contact the office directly to schedule your Flu Vaccination.

► Video to support our young patients with understanding what to expect for a flu shot appointment: Daniel Tiger - Daniel Gets A Shot (12-mins)

What are the symptoms of influenza?

Many people confuse the flu with a cold, but they are not the same.

Influenza (the flu) symptoms usually start suddenly with some or all of the following:

fever;
cough;
sore throat;
muscle aches and fatigue;
loss of appetite;
runny or stuffy nose

Some people, especially children, may also have stomach upset and pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.

When you get the flu, you usually start to feel sick within 2 days. But even before you notice symptoms, you may spread the virus to others.

It takes 1-4 days for the flu symptoms to appear after exposure.

*Please advise the clinic if you have any of these symptoms or have Tested + for COVID 19 prior to your arrival.

Not Sure What To Do

Most people recover from the flu in a week or 10 days. But others may develop serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection). These may send them to hospital.

See a health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

shortness of breath, rapid breathing or trouble breathing;
pain in your chest;
blueish or greyish skin colour;
bloody or coloured mucus in your mouth or your spit;
sudden dizziness or confusion;
severe or continued vomiting;
a high fever that lasts more than 3 days; or
low blood pressure

Also, see a health care provider if you are caring for a child with the flu who:

is not drinking or eating enough;
is not waking up or interacting with others; or
is irritable (not wanting to play or be held).

For more information, please visit Flu (influenza): Who is most at risk, Symptoms and Treatment.

Travel Vaccinations

Click to locate a Travel Immunization Clinic

Erin Clinic: 519-833-9396
Rockwood Clinic: 519-856-4611

* Please note, you may be directed to a Travel Clinic for your required immunization.

Immunizations

Childhood Immunizations

Are your child’s vaccinations up-to-date? If not, book an appointment with your family doctor or visit one of our Public Health clinics to get the vaccine(s) your child needs.

If you’re not sure what vaccines your child needs for school, talk to your healthcare provider or contact your local Public Health Unit to speak with a nurse about vaccine requirements.

Childhood Immunization Schedules

Babies’ vaccinations are due at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age.
Infants’ age 12 months must receive their vaccines on or after the child’s birthdate, NOT EARLIER.
Children’s vaccines are due at age 15 months, 18 months, and then a booster is due between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.
Grade 7 vaccines are administered via Public Health at your child’s school, they can be specially ordered at your Physician’s office, or an appointment can be made with your local Public Health Unit. Grade 7 vaccines include meningococcal disease, (Menactra, mandatory per public health), Hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV, Gardasil) both recommended.
Adolescents between the ages of 14 and 16 years old, require a booster of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis will then be required every ten years.

For more information on childhood immunizations, go to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health or go to Immunize Canada by clicking HERE.

Adult Vaccinations

Vaccinations are important for people of all ages, not just children because they provide the most effective protection against disease. Although we receive most vaccinations during childhood, we do not always gain lifelong immunity against all diseases. During adulthood, we require booster shots to maintain our defenses against some diseases like tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria and pertussis every ten years. It is recommended that adults also receive the Pneumococcal Disease, Herpes Zoster, Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

To find out what vaccines are recommended for adults, visit the Government of Ontario’s Adult Vaccination page.

For more information on adult immunizations, go to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

If you require TB skin testing you can contact with your local Public Health Unit or a Walk-in clinic.

SHN VaxFacts Clinic (Scarborough Health Network)

Telephone consultation appointments are available in over 200 languages for information about vaccines, treatments and preventative health counselling.

Vaxfacts Clinic