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15 Many options for flu shots - but public clinics only for those with kids under 5 by Marta Marychuk Oakville Beaver Staff |Friday November 3, 2 0 1 7 | OAKVILLE If you're wondering where to get a flu shot this year, you're probably not alone. While there are many options available, the choices may be confusing. While Toronto and Peel are still offering public flu shot clinics, Halton is not -- except for families with kids under age 5 and they have to book an appointment. For anyone over age 5, flu shots are available at more than 100 pharmacies across the region, as well as in doctor' s offices, walk-in clinics and at some workplaces, according to Halton Region' s health department. The Ontario Ministry of Health and TongTerm Care provides a website -- wwwontario. ca/page/get-flu-shot -- to find out where to get a flu shot. People can usually get a flu shot at their family physician, provided they have a family doctor. Flu shots are available at pharmacies: however, by provincial legislation, pharmacists cannot administer a flu shot to children under a certain age. People are advised to ask a pharmacist about age restrictions. Halton Region has worked closely with community and provincial partners to ensure individuals and families have easy to access to a variety of options to get the flu vaccine, said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Halton Region' s Acting Medical Officer of Health, in an email. Kempkens says the Region has no specific data on inquiries related to the availability of broader public clinics, but has had positive feedback from families with young children, who were able to book appointments at the Halton Region flu clinics for families with children under age five. However, in Peel the region provides free flu clinics at shopping centres in Brampton and Mississauga and at a church in Caledon to anyone six months of age or older. An Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) is not required. The City of Toronto offers community clinics in several locations across Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough, although people are required to make an appointment. Because of the high volume of people, walk-ins are not accepted. Although most healthy people recover from the flu within a few days, influenza infection can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, and can be fatal, especially in the elderly, those under five years of age and those with certain chronic health conditions. Getting the flu vaccine is the first step to protection, adds Kempkens. The second step is everyday precautions. She advises people to wash their hands with soap frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (when soap and water are not available) and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. = T Q V e .C Q · · flyers, coupons, s h o p p in g lists. BEAVER |www.insidehalton.com Shop Smart S a v e m o r e on y o u r w e e k ly g ro c e ry bill Q L9B1Z3 Hom e&Auto /obey/ Flyers G rocery Walmart: =rave.co Clothing&A cG esson-: Walmwt nature's source Nature's Source MorOS- Apt 08 D o w n lo a d th e Free S ave.ca M o b ile A p p AyA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST r KITCHENS O F O A K V IL L E D o w n lo a d on th e M a n d r o id a p p o n V AppStore =/ ' Google play Learn m ore at S a v e .c a /m o b ile AYAOAKVILLE.COM