Add protection from Influenza to your holiday shopping list

HAMILTON, ON – With a triple-threat of respiratory illnesses – influenza, RSV and COVID-19 – continuing to circulate locally and McMaster Children’s Hospital facing unprecedented capacity pressures, Hamilton Public Health Services is making it easier for parents, caregivers and their young children to get their flu shots this holiday season.

Effective today, Hamilton Public Health Services Mountain Vaccine Clinic at LimeRidge Mall (999 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton) will be offering walk-in flu shots for all community members ages six months and older until the clinic’s final day of administering vaccines on December 21, 2022. Hamilton Public Health Services will also begin offering walk-in flu shots at its mobile vaccine clinic sites starting the week of December 12, 2022. Co-administration of a flu shot with a COVID-19 vaccine is strongly encouraged for anyone over the age of five years of age, however it is not required. For community members five years of age and over who have booked an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, a flu shot will be offered at their clinic visit. These booked appointments will be considered a priority. Flu shot takes 14 days to provide full protection.

The flu shot is the best protection against this year’s Influenza strain, especially for children under five, individuals who are pregnant and those 65 years and older who are at higher risk of hospitalization and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, heart attack or death. These severe outcomes are already placing an extra burden on Hamilton’s significantly strained hospitals and healthcare capacity.  

In addition to the Mountain Vaccine Clinic at LimeRidge Mall today and mobile vaccine clinics beginning next week, community members can find local locations to receive their flu shot at hamilton.ca/flu. Free flu shots are available for everyone who lives, works or attends school in Ontario. Hamiltonians six months of age and older can get a flu shot from their primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or walk-in clinic) and anyone two years of age and older can get their flu shot from a participating pharmacy. 

Prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses

In addition to getting the flu shot and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, you should also take everyday precautions which include:

• Staying home when you are sick
• Wearing a well-fitting mask in all indoor public settings
• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water
• Using an alcohol-based hand rub if there is no soap and water
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Not touching your face
• Cleaning shared objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches or keys often. The flu virus can live on surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Not sharing food, drinks or personal items like toothbrushes
• Resting, sleeping, being active and eating nutritious food

Quick facts

• The flu is a serious illness that affects the breathing system. It starts suddenly and often lasts longer than a cold. Symptoms include: fever, headache, body aches, chills, tiredness, weakness, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose and sore throat.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all individuals six months and older get a yearly flu shot.
• Community members five years of age and over can receive their flu shot and monovalent or bivalent COVID booster at the same time or within days of each other. More information on where to book an appointment for a bivalent COVID-19 booster can be found at www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.