Free flu vaccine available in Ontario this week

By The Canadian Press and News Staff

Provincial officials say the free flu vaccine will be available in Ontario starting this week.

The vaccine will be available at doctor’s offices, local public health units and community immunization clinics.

Anyone five years of age and older can also be vaccinated for free by a pharmacist at about 2,600 pharmacies across the province.

Children under five must get the flu vaccine at a health care provider’s office or a public health unit.

Health Minister Eric Hoskins administered the first vaccine on Monday to kick off the campaign.

“Flu viruses are always changing, so the shot is updated each year to protect against strains of the virus that are expected to go around in the current season,” Hoskins told reporters at the Rexall pharmacy at First Canadian Place in Toronto.

“It’s best to get the shot early rather than later so you can protect yourself … It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide maximum protection.”

This week, the City of Toronto is holding a free flu shot clinic on Thursday. It will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St.)

Click here for the full list of city locations, dates, and times.

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