NEWS RELEASE
CAROLINE MULRONEY, YORK-SIMCOE MPP
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KESWICK – York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney met with a local pharmacist today to get her flu shot, which is an easy, free and practical way to fight the flu in our communities.
Mulroney was at the Rexall Pharmacy in Keswick to encourage families in York-Simcoe and across Ontario to get their free flu shot to stay healthy and prevent hospital visits this flu season.
“As a mom, I know the flu shot is the best defence to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu,” said Mulroney. “It is available across the province to protect you and your loved ones.”
Ontarians can get their free flu shot from their doctor, nurse practitioner, at participating pharmacies and local public health units across the province.
To help spread the word, Mulroney is encouraging everyone in York-Simcoe to get their flu shot as early as possible, and to join the challenge of raising awareness by taking a picture and posting it on social media, using the hashtag #FightTheFlu.
By investing in preventative measures like the flu shot, Ontario’s Government for the People is working to save lives and reduce the strain on the health care system.
“The flu shot is the best way to protect our loved ones from illness and hospital visits. The best part is that it is free and available anytime at Rexall,” said pharmacist Samanta Dhiman. “We were pleased to welcome our MPP for York-Simcoe, Caroline Mulroney, for her flu shot and we would be happy to welcome you and your family as well. Together, we can reduce the risk of flu.”
Getting the flu shot is safe and easier than ever. Every batch of the vaccine is tested using strict guidelines for safety and quality. The shot is available from doctors or nurse practitioners and, in most cases, from local pharmacies or public health units.
The flu shot protects against the most common viruses expected this season. The flu can be passed on before showing symptoms leading to doctor’s visits, sometimes hospital stays or sadly, in some cases, death. This makes getting vaccinated against the flu every year an important part of keeping Ontarians healthy.
Quick Facts
- It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to reach its full effect. Children four and under, pregnant people and seniors are particularly at risk of serious complications due to the flu.
- A 2018 Canadian study found that people are six times more likely to have a heart attack in the weeks after having the flu, and this risk may be higher among those 65 years and older.
- There were about 8,908 flu-related hospitalizations and among those, 619 deaths in Ontario last flu season.
- For more information on the flu and where to get your shot, visit ontario.ca/flu.
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