Should you get the flu shot?
The simple answer is yes.
Get the flu shot. Young and old. Whether you are young or old, healthy or have medical conditions. We all have a part to play in stopping the flu from sweeping through our area this year.
The flu is not the same as having a cold or COVID-19. The Flu Facts page on Ontario.ca has information to help you identify if you have the flu, a cold or COVID-19.
Remember that influenza (flu) spreads easily from person to person, especially during the peak season running from late fall to early spring.
There are two types of flu shots
Both flu shots are effective against the flu, but one is a high dose version that is intended for people who are over the age of 65.
The high dose flu shot has four times the level of antigen (the part your body recognizes in order to launch an immune response), which is intended to generate a better immune response in those that are high risk.
Will the flu shot make me sick?
This is a commonly believed myth. Yup. That is right. It is fake news.
You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. Often people will feel a bit achey and get a slight rise in their body temperature, but that is because their body is mounting an immune response to the flu shot. This is supposed to happen so that memory cells are made for when the real flu comes around
When are the flu shot clinics?
Flu shot clinics
We typically have access to flu shots in late October/early November.
Flu Shot Clinic Dates: Nov 1st , 4th, 8th and 14th
Please call the office to book your appointment during these clinics.
Can you get a flu shot if you are coming in for an appointment?
If you are coming to our clinic for a REGULAR appointment, you can get your flu shot at the same time. Just advise the staff at check in that you would like a flu shot.
Can you come into the office just for a flu shot?
Yes! Call the office and book an appointment with our nurse. We can book you an appointment on these clinic dates.
Where can you get the flu shot?
regardless of where you get the flu shot, please tell us that you have had it.
There are a number of places in town where the flu shots are being given, but we ask that our patients advise us when they have had the flu shot so that we can update your file.
You can call us, or email us through our contact page.
The estimated start date is typically towards the end of October. These clinics would initially be for high risk only
Community residents over the age of 65
Children
Pregnant patients
Patients with chronic disease
Health care workers
Further to this, we will then start running clinics for the rest of the community.
Pharmacies that are administering the flu shot:
Campus Trails Pharmacy
Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy
Shoppers Drug Mart
Your Independent Grocer Pharmacy