Ottawa Public Health now booking flu shot clinic appointments

OPH opens flu shot bookings Residents can now book appointments for Ottawa Public Health flu shot clinics that begin next week.

OTTAWA — It's time to roll up your sleeve and get the flu shot.

Ottawa Public Health is now booking appointments for an influenza shot at one of six flu shot clinics across the city.

The flu shot clinics will open on Thursday, Oct. 29, and will run seven days a week from 9:40 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.  The flu shot clinic locations are:

All six flu shot clinic locations will be appointment only.

"Getting the flu vaccine is essential every year, but given the current COVID-19 pandemic it's of upmost importance during the 2020-21 influenza season," said Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa's Associate Medical Officer of Health.

"Collectively we must work together to protect our most vulnerable and ensure that we do not overwhelm our health care system."

The Ottawa Public Health flu shot clinics will have capacity to see about 1,500 people a day.

You can get the flu vaccine at an Ottawa Public Health flu shot clinic, your family doctor or through a pharmacy.

"Influenza season does not typically begin in Ontario until late November or December, and there will be many opportunities to get a flu vaccine in the coming weeks," said Dr. Arnason.

Ottawa Public Health says this year's clinics will include COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures, including:

Ottawa Public Health's goal is to have 70 per cent of the population receive the flu shot this fall and winter.

"When more people get the flu vaccine, the odds of the flu virus spreading goes down," said Dr. Arnason.

More appointments will be made available each week.

For more information about the flu vaccine and to book an appointment, visit www.ottawapublichealth.ca/flu