Fall Vaccination Clinics to Begin Across the Province

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is advising that influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccination clinics will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024. Vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 will be available by appointment at various clinics across the province.

Individuals are encouraged to book vaccine clinic appointments online at TimefortheShot.ca, but may also book by phone if preferred. Individuals have the option to choose an appointment for a) flu vaccine only; b) COVID-19 vaccine only; or c) both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals are encouraged to check the website periodically for appointment times as appointments will be added on an ongoing basis.

Homebound or frail individuals who cannot travel to a Public Health vaccine clinic or visit a pharmacist or doctor can arrange a home visit. Home visits can only be booked by telephone.

Toll-free numbers for clinic or home visit vaccine bookings:

• Eastern Urban and Rural Zones: 1-833-951-3884
• Central Zone: 1-833-961-3749
• Labrador-Grenfell Zone: 1-833-960-3643
• Western Zone: 1-833-703-5470

Vaccines that target the latest strains of influenza and COVID-19 will be provided. Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. The public is reminded to bring their valid MCP card and to wear a short-sleeved shirt when receiving their vaccine.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also available at no cost through participating local pharmacies and family physicians.

Who should get the influenza vaccine?

Vaccinations for influenza are recommended for all individuals six months of age and older. Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for those who are at higher risk for severe influenza including:

• Children aged six months to five years of age;
• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents in seniors congregate living;
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
• Individuals who are pregnant; and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccinations for COVID-19 are recommended for all individuals six months of age and older. The recommended interval is six months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or COVID-19 infection, but it can be as short as three months. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for individuals at high risk for severe disease including:

• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
• Individuals who are pregnant; and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

As the cold and influenza season begins, individuals are reminded to:

• Stay home when you’re sick;
• Avoid visiting people at high risk when sick;
• Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself, to protect others, or when recovering from illness;
• Wash your hands often;
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing and immediately dispose of used tissues in the trash; and
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

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