Cold & Flu Season

We strongly recommend everyone have an updated COVID-19 vaccine booster (within the last 6 months) and the annual influenza vaccine.

Where to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine

You can book your COVID-19 vaccine through a local pharmacy or a Public Health clinic. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic click here.

Where to Get Your Flu Vaccine

You can get your annual influenza vaccine through our clinic by calling to book an appointment, or through your local pharmacy.

Please advise us if you have received your flu vaccine through the pharmacy.

The flu vaccine is recommended for people 6 months of age and older. Children who are less than 9 years of age and are receiving their first ever flu shot should receive 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart.

People age 65 years and older should receive the high-dose flu vaccine.

Tips to Stay Healthy and Prevent Illness
  • Wear a mask (and have your child wear a mask) when in public indoor spaces
  • Wash your hands often and well. Use hand sanitizer when washing is not possible
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands
  • Stay home and keep your child home when they are sick
  • Get the flu shot and keep COVID-19 doses up to date

Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms

Most respiratory illnesses in children, including colds, influenza, RSV and COVID-19, can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications. However, in some cases it is important to seek medical care.

Call your family doctor if your child:
  • Has a fever lasting 72 hours or longer
  • Has a fever that went away for a day or longer (without fever medications) and then came back
  • Is unusually irritable and won't stop fussing, even after treating their fever
  • Has an earache lasting more than 48 hours
  • Is not eating or drinking. Note that it is normal to eat and drink less when sick. Liquids are more important than food.
  • Has special needs that make caring for them difficult

As a parent or guardian, you know your child best. If you feel your child needs to be assessed, please call the clinic for assistance. You can also call Health Connect Ontario 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse, available 24/7.

Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department When:
  • You are worried that your child is seriously ill
  • Your infant, younger than 3 months old, has a fever
  • Your child is struggling to breathe or is breathing faster than normal
  • You are concerned that your child is at risk of dehydration or is dehydrated

These are only some examples of when to seek emergency care

Helping your child at home:
  • Fever: treat fever or pain with over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child can take it.
  • Red Eyes and Discharge: These symptoms almost always go away on their own, without antibiotic drops or other medication. Warm compresses and artificial tears can help reduce discomfort.
  • Stuffy and runny nose: Try saline nasal sprays, a humidifier, or a nasal aspirator
  • Earache: If you notice your child tugging on their ear, they may have an earache. Get assessed if your child's earache lasts more than 48-72 hours, if there is discharge from the ear, or they have had more than 2-3 ear infections in the last year
  • Cough: treat a cough with a humidifier or the steam from a shower. If the cough sounds like a bark, cool outside air may help. If your child is at least one year old, you can give them 1-2 teaspoons of honey in the evening.
  • Fluids: Make sure your child gets enough fluids, including water, soups, sports drinks or even popsicles. Breastmilk/formula is enough for young babies who do not drink other fluids.