H 1^ --I O t C M Halton Region reserves flu clinics for young fam ilies by Marta Marychuk can receive their flu vaccine at a pharmacy doctor' s office or walk-in clinic, children under five years of age can only receive their flu shot at a doctor' s office or Halton Region Family Flu Clinic. "We know that sometimes it can be challenging for families with young children flu shots are available at more than 100 pharmacies across Halton, as well as in doctor' s offices, walk-in clinics and at some workplaces, according to its release. For more information on the flu, including finding a local flu immunization provider, visit halton.ca/flu or call 311. In contrast, in 2016, Halton Region hosted 12 flu immunization clinics and piloted two appointment-based, family clinics. The clinics offered several influenza vaccines, including the nasal spray for children age two through 17 years. According to the Region, while most healthy people recover from the flu within a few days, influenza infection can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, and can even be fatal, especially in the elderly, those under five years of age and those with certain chronic health conditions. People can take everyday precautions against influenza by washing their hands with soap frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (when soap and water are not available) and avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth, in addition to getting the flu vaccine. The Region advises those people who are sick to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the illness to others and see a doctor if the illness gets worse or doesn't begin to improve after a few days. O .Q O C M c d O Oakville Beaver Staff O Unless you are a child under the age of five, fi? "O don't expect to get a flu shot at a Region of Halton Family Flu Clinic. DC While people five years of age and older LU CD LU C O N C R E TE < o E c o .c Irimmings Ltd. EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) ro <S) g to attend their doctor' s office," said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Halton Region' s Acting Medical Officer of Health, in a media release. "Since children under five years of age cannot get the flu vaccine from a pharmacist, this year we're hosting five, appointmentbased family flu clinics for families with young children between the ages of six months and five years of age. Families can register for an appointment at halton. ca/flu or by calling 3 1 1 ," she added. The Region is quick to point out that D R IV EW A Y S FRENCH CURBS P A T IO S STEPS W A LK W A Y S GARAGE FLO O RS T eam uality A t Its Best! C a ll F e rn a n d o FREE ESTIMATES ~ r ~ 9 0 5 -8 4 4 -5 5 1 8 1 -8 8 8 -9 4 4 -5 5 1 8 G e t y o u r f lu s h o t a t H e a lt h S e n s e M e d ic a l & s t a y h e a lt h y th is w in te r! AyA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST K IT C H ENS O F O A K V IL L E Flu shots are now available. Appointm ents not necessary. W alk-in anytime. Short w ait times. Free with Ontario Health Card. 2 9 8 3 W estoak Trails Blvd 9 0 5 - 8 2 5 -D O C S 905.847.1522 M-F: 8 3 0 am to 8 pm Sat: 9 am to 2 pm www.healthsensemedical.ca A Y A O A K V IL L E .C O M