TORONTO — Health Minister Christine Elliott says most Ontarians can get their flu shots next month, but people at higher risk can get them now.
She announced Tuesday that the province has purchased 7.6 million flu vaccine doses for $89 million.
Long-term care residents and hospital patients have been able to get them since last month, and Elliott says flu shots are now available for people most at risk for complications.
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That includes seniors, children older than six months and younger than five, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
Starting next month, all Ontarians can get a flu shot through doctor and nurse practitioner offices, pharmacies and health units.
The government says that flu vaccine uptake last season was close to 40 per cent, and in previous seasons it has been around 30 per cent.