Seasonal flu immunization clinics for people 65 and older to begin October 13

The Halton Region Health Department will begin offering free seasonal influenza immunization clinics for people 65 years and older, beginning October 13, 2009.

“Halton Region is adapting quickly based on new directions from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,” said Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair. “We are working with all levels of government to do our part in protecting the health of Halton residents.”

The change in direction from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care includes a three-stage roll out of flu vaccines to residents of Ontario:

• Stage one – Seasonal flu vaccine for residents who are 65 and older or who live in a long-term care home, beginning in October.
• Stage two – Pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine for all residents who want it, though there will be clinics for priority groups before it is available to the general population. These clinics will begin when vaccine is available, likely in November.
• Stage three – Seasonal flu vaccine for any person over the age of six months who wants it, likely beginning in December or January.

“Direction from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is to immunize individuals who are 65 and older or who live in a long-term care home with seasonal flu vaccine,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “The Halton Region Health Department and family physicians are striving to give the seasonal vaccine in October, so that when we receive the pandemic H1N1 vaccine, likely in November, we will be ready to immunize those in the priority groups first, followed by the general population.”

Clinic dates have been set for residents who are 65 years and over. These are:

• Burlington
  • Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New Street. Tuesday, October 13, 10:00am-2:00pm.
  • Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New Street. Monday, October 19, 10:00am-2:00pm.
  • Notre Dame Secondary School, 2333 Headen Forest Drive. Tuesday, October 27, 4:00pm-8:00pm.
  • Robert Bateman High School, 5151 New Street. Thursday, October 29, 3:30pm-8:00pm.
• Milton
  • Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive. Wednesday, October 14, 10:00am-2:00pm.
  • Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive. Thursday, November 5, 10:00am-2:00pm.
• Oakville
  • Oakville Seniors’ Recreation Centre, 263 Kerr Street. Thursday, October 15, 10:00am-2:00pm.
  • Holy Trinity Secondary School, 2420 Sixth Line. Monday, October 26, 3:30 pm-8:00pm.
  • Whiteoaks (south) High School, 1330 Monclair Drive. Wednesday, October 28, 3:30pm-8:00pm.
  • Sir John Colborne Seniors’ Centre, 1565 Old Lakeshore Road. Friday, November 6, 10:00am-2:00pm.
• Georgetown
  • Georgetown Seniors’ Centre, Indoor Mall, Unit 9, 318 Guelph Street. Tuesday, October 20, 10:00am-1:00pm.
• Acton
  • Acton Seniors’ Recreation Centre, Acton Arena, Community Hall, 415 Queen Street East. Wednesday, November 4, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Residents of long-term care homes will get their flu vaccinations within their home.

Halton residents wanting the seasonal flu vaccination may be asked to show a photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or Ontario health card, with their year of birth. Anyone under 65 years will be asked to check the website for the general population immunizations that will be offered following the pandemic H1N1 flu immunization clinics.

It is important to note that the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the pandemic H1N1 flu virus and the pandemic H1N1 vaccine will not be available at these seasonal flu immunization clinics.

Flu symptoms include fever plus at least one other symptom including cough, chills, fatigue, general unwell feeling, sore throat, headache, and loss of appetite.

Because this is a different flu season, information is evolving. Halton residents are encouraged to speak to their health care provider, or call Halton Region by dialing 311 or calling 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, or TTY 905-827-9833, or visit www.halton.ca.

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