Queen’s and Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health are encouraging people to get their flu shots as the regular influenza season kicks off during the ongoing pandemic.

To prevent the increase in hospital admissions and unnecessary strain on local medical resources common during the seasonal influenza, the Kingston community is being urged to get the flu vaccine. 

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Anyone can get a flu shot from their primary care provider or their local pharmacy. Clinics and pharmacies are advising patients to call ahead to ensure flu shot doses are available. 

Though individuals without Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage who are over the age of five can get a flu shot at local pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Drugsmart, some pharmacies may be reserving doses for patients with OHIP coverage.

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Queen’s students are also being encouraged to seek flu shots from primary care providers and pharmacies.

Students without OHIP coverage are able to access a limited supply of the flu vaccine through Student Wellness Services (SWS). The flu vaccine is also available at SWS for students who are predisposed to chronic illnesses that put them at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 or seasonal influenza. 

Students who are in priority groups for the flu vaccine are encouraged to visit the SWS website for more details. More details regarding influenza and the flu vaccine are available on the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington Public Health website. 

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