Free flu shots start Oct. 10

Free flu shots will be available for all P.E.I. residents starting Oct. 10, the province says.

The flu shots are available in several locationsincluding local pharmacists, family physicians or nurse practitioners, and Public Health Nursing provides community flu clinics across the province.

It is the fourth years the shots have been offered at thepharmacies, but the first time it's been free to all residents of P.E.I.

Increase vaccination rates

ErinMacKenzie, executive director of theP.E.I.PharmacistsAssociation, said she hopes the newprogram will increase vaccination rates in the province.

"In previous years, folks who wanted toreceivethe immunization forfree didhave to fall into one of the identified high risk categories. And that stipulation has been removed thisyear soany person living in the province will be eligible for free vaccination," she said.

• Free flu vaccinations for P.E.I. start next month

Dr. HeatherMorrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, said the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu and giving the flu to those around you is to have the flu shot.

"As more people are immunized, the disease risk for everyone is reduced," she said.

All clinics are on a walk-in basis this year, withno appointments needed.

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