PORT HOPE, ON (October 14, 2022) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is reporting its first case of influenza for the 2022-23 flu season in the district which includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and Haliburton County. 

As a precaution to the flu season the HKPR District Health Unit would like to remind residents to not take any unnecessary risks with your health. Flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring. Residents are encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as they become eligible, and the vaccine is available. Locally, there are many ways to get the flu vaccine: 

• Dozens of pharmacies in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes can provide flu vaccine to anyone 2 years of age and older. High-dose flu vaccines for people 65 years of age and older are also available at pharmacies. A complete list of local pharmacy locations providing flu vaccines is available at www.hkpr.on.ca. 
• People should contact their primary care provider to see about getting the flu vaccine. Children 6 months to 2 years old can only get their flu shot from a doctor, nurse practitioner or local public health unit. 
• The HKPR District Health Unit is providing immunization clinics for children under the age of 5 years who do not have a family doctor. Clinics are by appointment only. To schedule a time, call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1.866.888.4577, ext. 1507. 

“Vaccination against influenza is especially important this fall,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and CEO for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Preventing the flu will not only protect individual health and the health of families and communities, but it will also stop further strain on our health care system which is already stretched due to COVID-19.” 

Most residents can get the flu vaccine at the same time, or before or after a COVID-19 vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) currently recommends that children 6 months to 5 years of age wait at least 14 days between COVID-19 vaccines and non-COVID vaccines, to avoid attributing any potential adverse events. 

To further stop the spread of the flu, and COVID-19, the HKPR District Health Unit recommends people wear a mask, physically distance, wash their hands thoroughly and often, sneeze and cough into their sleeves, and stay home from work and school if they are sick. 

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For media inquiries, contact: 

Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca or
Amanda Bray, Communications Officer, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1266, abray@hkpr.on.ca