ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Beginning today, regional health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador will begin hosting free flu shot clinics and the province’s Department of Health and Community Services is encouraging all residents to take advantage.
As with the case with so many things during the COVID-19 pandemic, the way to do so has changed.
Walk-ins will not be available; pre-booked appointments will be required.
Those appointments can be booked online using a new online tool called Health Myself (links below).
Health Myself links
You can also book an appointment by calling 709-273-3904 or toll-free 1-833-951-3904.
All appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
During the 2019-2020 season, approximately 157,970 people received the flu shots through the province’s publicy-funded vaccination program.
They are aiming for much higher numbers this season.
“Immunization protects people and communities by preventing the spread of the flu,” said Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Janice Fitzgerald in a news release. “As more people are immunized, the risk for everyone is reduced.
“Vaccines are safe and effective. They are the number one way to reduce your risk of getting the flu. This is particularly important during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We do not want COVID-19 and the flu circulating in the community at the same time,” said Haggie. “A high rate of flu will use up health system capacity that may be needed if there is a resurgence of COVID-19." — Dr. John Haggie
In the same release, Health Minister Dr. John Haggie noted that while the flu shot does not prevent COVID-19, getting it will prevent people from getting and spreading the flu, and reduce the number of people needing medical attention.
“We do not want COVID-19 and the flu circulating in the community at the same time,” said Haggie. “A high rate of flu will use up health system capacity that may be needed if there is a resurgence of COVID-19.
“A second wave of COVID-19 in the fall and winter months would place additional pressures on the health care system and increase hospitalizations.”
People with COVID-19 who are self-isolating should only book an appointment after their self-isolation period ends and they have been cleared by Public Health.
The department says stringent public health measures will be in place at the clinics to ensure the protection of both those receiving their flu shots and health-care staff. Everyone will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and must wear a mask. Due to physical distancing requirements, people will not be able to enter the clinic waiting area until 10 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment.
💉 Getting the #FluShot has never been easier or more important. Book your 🆓 flu shot at https://t.co/ov80a9QclN. Now more than ever, getting vaccinated is critical. As more people are immunized, the risk for everyone is reduced. ❗️ Please Re-Tweet ❗️
— Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (@CMOH_NL) October 20, 2020
Individuals are asked to bring their MCP card and wear short sleeves when they go to get their flu shot.
To help improve access, pharmacists and physicians can administer the vaccine free-of-charge this year. Physicians can administer the vaccine to everyone, regardless of age. Pharmacists can administer the vaccine to people five years of age and older.
Other health care professionals administering the flu shot this year in the regional health authorities include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, advanced-care and primary-care paramedics, midwives, and nursing and medical students with appropriate supervision.
A grant will be available to employers with over 100 employees who wish to hire a qualified health care provider to offer a workplace vaccination clinic. Flu vaccine and appropriate PPE will be provided to these employers by the department from the provincial supply stock. More details on this grant will be available on the department’s website later this week.
Meanwhile, regional health authorities will be administering flu shots to:
- Residents in long-term care homes; personal care homes, and other residential care settings;
- Home support clients who are unable to attend public flu clinics;
- Individuals in correctional facilities;
- In-patients in acute care hospitals and health centres; and, patients in other acute settings such as some ambulatory clinics; and,
- Clients admitted to mental health and addictions treatment settings.
The regional health authorities are also working with the provincial school districts and private schools to offer the flu vaccine for students in Grades 4 to 12. Parental consent will be required as part of the vaccination process.
