Province Launches Expanded Flu Immunization Campaign
28-9-2020
As.part.of.Ontario's.comprehensive plan for the second wave of COVID-19 and its impacts on the healthcare system, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced last week the province is implementing the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario history.
It is investing almost $70 million to purchase flu vaccines in order to deliver on an expanded campaign that will include a public education campaign to encourage people to get the flu vaccine.
The Ontario government points out the annual flu season presents an 'additional challenge to Ontario's response for future waves of COVID-19.'
Included in the plan are 1.3 million high-dose vaccine doses for Ontario seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
It will also prioritize the early distribution of the vaccine for vulnerable populations in long-term care homes, hospitals, and retirement homes.
At Windsor Regional Hospital, plans are in the works to make it easier for staff to be vaccinated in-house. Details are forthcoming.
There were more than 5,700 flu-related hospitalizations in Ontario during the last flu season along with 280 flu-related deaths.
The flu season can begin as early as November and it takes two weeks for the flu shot to reach its full effect.