October 14, 2022 – St. John’s, NL: Eastern Health advises that influenza (flu) vaccination clinics will begin to roll throughout the region starting Monday, October 17, 2022. Flu vaccination clinics are available by appointment only.
Appointment times, as well dates and locations for flu clinics, can be found on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website at https://www.timefortheshot.ca/. Those unable to schedule an appointment online can book by calling 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free).
Flu shots are also available at no cost through local pharmacies and family physicians.
Please note that influenza and COVID-19 vaccine clinics are operated separately and, as a result, clients will only receive the vaccine they initially scheduled an appointment for.
In addition, those booking for a group of people, i.e., family members, must book a separate appointment for each individual, regardless of whether the booking is made online or via the toll-free number. If back-to-back appointments are preferred but not available at time of booking, those with confirmed separate appointments can arrive at the clinic together and will be accommodated wherever possible.
Very frail or homebound individuals who cannot travel to a public flu clinic or visit a pharmacist or doctor can arrange a home visit by calling the Community Support Program at 1-833-752-4167, or their local Community Health Office from Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact numbers for local community health offices can be found on the Eastern Health website at https://www.easternhealth.ca/contactus/#Community
With the relaxing of restrictions around COVID-19, this is the first time since 2020 that both influenza and COVID-19 will be circulating broadly together within our communities. As a result, cases of influenza are expected to rise. Everyone above the age of six months should get the flu shot, particularly those who are at increased risk for complications from influenza, and those in close contact with these individuals.
Getting the flu shot, as well as ensuring COVID-19 boosters are up to date, are the most effective ways to reduce illness and complications from these diseases and can significantly lower the risk of potentially contracting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time, which could cause severe illness, especially for at-risk individuals.
Eastern Health reminds the public to bring their MCP card and to wear a short-sleeved shirt. All individuals over the age of five must wear a mask, unless a medical condition prevents them from doing so. Further information will be provided on site.
Eastern Health thanks the public for doing their part to help prevent the spread of infections within our communities.
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