Ottawa Public Health closing flu vaccine clinics this Friday

Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) five flu shot clinics are taking their last appointments.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches says in a letter to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and City Council, Tuesday, December 15, that there has been a significant drop in the demand for flu vaccination appointments in recent weeks, so public health staff will be redirecting their attention to the Grade 7 immunization requirements (meningitis, Hepatitis B, HPV) in advance of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

This means the last day to get a flu shot at one of the local clinics will be Friday, December 18.

Dr. Etches says OPH will continue to provide flu vaccines for children who require a second dose. Those clinic locations will be shared in January, on ottawapublichealth.ca/flu or residents can call the OPH information centre at 613-580-6744.

“I encourage all residents who have not yet received their flu shot to do so,” says the chief medical officer of health. “OPH continues to recommend that individuals at high risk of influenza-related complications seek out opportunities to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.”

Local pharmacies and physicians will continue to offering the vaccine.

OPH has vaccinated over 55,500 residents since launching its community flu clinics in October 2020. Last year, 11,321 residents were vaccinated at OPH community flu clinics during the fall and winter months. 

“So far as a community we have been successful in keeping the transmission of influenza within our community to very low levels,” adds Dr. Etches. “This is in large part due to residents’ adherence to COVID-19 precautions, and your help in getting the word out to the community about mask use and physical distancing and the importance of getting the flu vaccine this year.”