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COVID, Cold and Flu Clinics: What You Need to Know
With cold and flu season upon us, and as emergency room visits are increasing, especially with kids under five years old, we are sharing the following information on behalf of the Region of Peel.
With emergency room wait times much longer than usual, families are asked that before heading to the emergency room, families can book an appointment with their family doctor or at their local COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinics. Click here to find one near you.
If you’re unsure if you need to take your child to the emergency room, you can:
It's cold and flu season. Free flu shots are also available across Ontario. You can get a flu shot at:
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Family doctors’ offices and walk-in clinics for adults and children over 6 months of age.
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Participating pharmacies for adults and children 2 years or older
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If you don’t have a health card you can get the flu shot from a community health centre or at a local pharmacy.
Masking
In alignment with community and school board masking requirements, masks are not required in child care centres and schools. Although not required, as per the Chief Medical Officer of Health it is strongly recommended to wear masks in all public indoor settings amid what he is calling a “triple threat” of respiratory viruses – RSV, flu and COVID-19.
In our programs, we promote a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment so please respect any decisions fellow families and staff may choose.
Additional Health Measures
With COVID-19 still circulating in the community, it’s important to protect yourself and your children as much as possible. Vaccinating your child is the best way to reduce their risk of serious illness. Help protect your children from COVID-19 and get them vaccinated today. For more information on how to book a COVID vaccine for children, click here.
It’s extremely important to continue practicing other protective measures such as hand washing, avoiding touching your face, and staying home when ill to help protect yourself and others from viruses that are circulating. Remember to mask for 10 days after being symptomatic or after close contact with a person with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms.
As a reminder, individuals should stay home if they are feeling ill to prevent the spread of illness.
PLASP Child Care Services