ExecHealth is pleased to announce that the seasonal flu vaccine is now available. Due to the presence of Covid-19, Public Health officials are strongly suggesting that people get vaccinated this year. ExecHealth has instituted a number of safety measures to ensure client safety. Please read the following prior to booking your appointment.
- Flu shots will be administered by appointment only to ensure spacing and limited contact with other patients.
- Flu shots will be administered in Suite 813 of our building – not in the medical clinic.
- Flu shots will only be administered to individuals with a confirmed appointment time. No walk-ins will be permitted.
- Flu shots will not be administered to anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 or are exhibiting symptoms related to Covid-19. Patients will be screened prior to being granted access to our facility.
The Flu Shot – Should You Get It?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe , and in some instances, can lead to death. The flu virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Many people don’t realize that they are able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Should you get a flu shot?
Ontario provides the influenza vaccine free-of-charge to all residents. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop full protection against the flu.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
- Children aged 6–59 months of age,
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older,
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
- People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Health care workers.
3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:
- People who have severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
- People who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
- Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
- People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult your health-care provider.