Flu shots available in the Outaouais starting next weekend
Posted Oct 23, 2020 02:12:00 PM.
Officials in Gatineau are encouraging high-risk residents to get a free flu shot this year.
The health unit is focusing their campaign on preventing serious complications from influenza, hospitalizations and deaths.
The flu shot is highly recommended for people at risk,” said Dr. Carol McConnery, the Infectious Diseases Medical Officer at the Public Health Branch of the Outaouais CISSS, adding that “It is the best way to protect yourself from the flu and its complications.”
Those deemed high-risk include:
- People six-months of age and older living with certain chronic diseases
- Pregnant women with certain chronic diseases during pregnancy and those who are healthy during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
- People aged 75 or older
- Family members living in the same household as a child under six-months of age or someone at high risk of hospitalization or death
- Caregivers of someone at risk
- Health care workers — particularly those who provide direct patient care
Residents are asked to make an appointment via the Clicsante.ca platform or by phone at 819-966-6277 or 1-844-351-6277 (toll free).
To limit crowds, anyone that already has an upcoming appointment with a pharmacist or a physician is asked to see if it's possible to get a flu shot during that appointment.
The flu shots begin November 1.
