Grey Bruce Public Health is encouraging residents to get a publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot as soon as possible this respiratory illness season.

As of Oct. 30, 2023, the general public can receive the most recent, XBB-containing COVID-19 vaccine and this year’s influenza vaccine from their primary care provider or at a participating pharmacy. Residents facing barriers to getting vaccinated can also book an appointment to receive the vaccines at a Grey Bruce Public Health clinic.

“Staying up to date on vaccinations remains the best defence against both COVID-19 and the flu,” says Dr. Rim Zayed, Physician Consultant at Grey Bruce Public Health.

“Both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines have been shown to be safe as well as effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination is particularly important for individuals considered high-risk for developing serious complications from the flu or COVID-19, including adults aged 65 and up, residents of long-term care homes, people with underlying medical conditions, and First Nations residents.”

GBPH has been working to make it as convenient as possible for Grey-Bruce residents to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Public Health encourages residents who have a primary care provider to book an appointment as soon as possible to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

GBPH has also created an online map of pharmacies, Family Health Teams, and other health-care organizations that are providing the two vaccines to the general public.

In addition, Public Health is holding regular COVID-19/flu vaccine clinics in Owen Sound and other Grey-Bruce communities in November and December. The clinics will prioritize vaccinating children 12 and under, individuals without a primary care provider, and high-risk individuals. A schedule of clinics is available on GBPH’s website at the following link: Event Calendar. Residents can book an appointment at a GBPH clinic by visiting ontario.ca/book-vaccine.

Individuals aged six months and older are considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccines if they receive a dose this fall. The Ministry of Health recommends that individuals who have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19 receive a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if it has been six months since their previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known COVID-19 infection. Individuals who have not been previously vaccinated may also receive the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccine to initiate the series.

The flu vaccine is also recommended for individuals aged six months and older. 

Individuals aged six months and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits or appointments.

Along with getting vaccinated, residents can also protect themselves, their family members, and communities from respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, cleaning hands and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently, and practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette.