Save a loved one and get vaccinations for flu and COVID-19, Fitzgerald says

Appointments are now available for fall vaccinations in Newfoundland and Labrador, while Dr. Janice Fitzgerald — the province's chief medical officer of health — stressing Monday it's important for everyone to get shots for both influenza and COVID-19 to protect people at risk of dying if they contract either. 

Vaccinations will be available beginning Oct. 21, and will be available through physicians, public health clinics and pharmacies.

Fitzgerald said appointments can be made online or over the phone.

She said the province is especially recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for people in populations where severe disease is more likely, including people over 65, those living in long-term care or congregate living, people with underlying medical conditions that place them at a higher risk of infection, those who are pregnant, and those who are Indigenous.

The province also recommends those populations get an influenza vaccine, along with children aged between six months and five years — but Fitzgerald says it's important for everyone to get vaccinated to help limit the spread of disease to more vulnerable people. 

"If you're not at high risk for severe disease, you may get flu or COVID but you may then end up passing it on," she said Monday.

WATCH | Dr. Janice Fitzgerald on what groups should especially get vaccinated this fall:

Here’s who is most vulnerable to COVID and influenza this season, and who should get vaccinated

2 months ago

Duration 0:51

Newfoundland and Labrador will start rolling out fall vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 on Oct. 21. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says everyone should get vaccinated to do their part in limiting the spread of illness. She said certain groups of people should give getting vaccinated extra thought.

"It may not be too bad for you, but you end up passing it on to somebody who may get severe disease. So we certainly don't want that to happen, and we want to reduce that as much as possible."

Fitzgerald said health officials are noting a small increase in the prevalence of COVID-19 this season, compared to this time last year, but said case numbers and hospitalizations have been steady.

The province's respiratory activity dashboard, last updated Friday, showed 89 confirmed cases of the virus between Sept. 22 and 28, with 16 hospitalizations and one person in critical care.

Fitzgerald said only one case of influenza has so far been reported this season, and said cases tend to increase later in the year.

Health officials are also working to continue pertussis vaccinations for school children. A whooping cough outbreak is still in place. Fitzgerald said 263 cases have been reported as of Monday.

Fitzgerald said the province is also exploring options for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations following the Health Canada approval of multiple vaccines in September.

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