Healthcare Providers

FLU SHOTS

Complications from the flu can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or heart attacks and, in some cases, death. Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.

Some people are more vulnerable to complications and hospitalization from the flu:

Babies under 6 months old are too young to get the flu shot, but they will get some protection if their parent got the flu shot while they were pregnant
Children under 5 years of age, because their immune systems are developing, and their airways are small and more easily blocked
People 65 years old and older, because their immune systems are weaker and they are more likely to have an underlying condition that increases their risk
Pregnant people, because their immune system, heart and lungs change – especially later in pregnancy – making it harder for them to fight infection
People with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes

To help prevent the spread of influenza, healthcare providers can:

Receive influenza vaccine themselves to help prevent transmitting influenza to their patients
Use every opportunity to vaccinate people at risk, even after influenza activity has been documented in the community
Discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with patients, as well as the risks of not being vaccinated
Inform patients about what to do if they become ill with influenza.
Teach patients about influenza prevention practices, including:

VACCINE UPDATE(S):

We are aware that immunization services at your office may have been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of physical distancing and other public health measures. While some clinics have continued to provide immunizations, some may have been delayed and others may have been cancelled. With fewer vaccine doses being administered, individuals and communities may be at risk for illness and potential outbreaks of vaccine preventable disease.

Please reach out and contact any clients that may have missed or fallen behind on their routine immunizations to get them caught up as soon as possible. Thank you for the consideration and your cooperation.

All CK healthcare providers are encouraged to download and review:

COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting (July 28, 2021)

Guidance for Routine & Catch-Up Immunization Services (August 2022) ENGLISH | FRENCH

These documents are intended to complement existing guidance on the MOHLTC website.

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused primarily by the influenza A and B viruses. While most people recover in 7 to 10 days, severe illness can occur. Being vaccinated against influenza each fall is the best way to help prevent infection.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Information for Providers

Please remind all of your patients to report their shots to CK Public Health!

VACCINE STORAGE AND HANDLING

IMPORTANT: ALL VACCINE PROVIDERS MUST CALL 519-355-1071 ext. 5900 TO REPORT ANY TEMPERATURE READING BELOW +2°C or ABOVE +8°C IMMEDIATELY. IF AFTER HOURS PLEASE LEAVE A DETAILED MESSAGE AND WE WILL RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

CK Public Health inspects all facilities such as doctor’s offices to ensure they are compliant with cold chain requirements.

We provide education, training, and recommendations to maintain the cold chain. Proper vaccine storage and handling ensures safe and effective vaccines are delivered to the public.

The term “cold chain” refers to maintaining vaccines within the required range of 2° to 8°C at all times during handling, storage, and transport. Breaks in the cold chain can result in reduced vaccine effectiveness, which can mean lack of protection for the person receiving the vaccine.

In the event of a cold chain failure, please have the following ready when reporting to CK Public Health:

Vaccine Trade Name
Number of Doses
Lot Number
Expiry Date

This needs to be completed for EACH vaccine product within the affected refrigerator. Please fax your complete list to 519-355-0848 for data entry and follow-up. Be sure to put your facility name at the top of each faxed page.

ON VACATION? DON’T FORGET – Your fridge temperatures must continue to be monitored twice a day while you are away!