Dr. Eileen de Villa, speaking to reporters at the Metro Hall vaccination clinic downtown, said Toronto Public Health is seeing “increased levels of respiratory disease” earlier in the year than would normally be the case. “We expect this trend to continue in the coming weeks,” he said. De Villa said she is encouraging Torontonians to get their flu shot and COVID-19 booster. Residents must do their part to protect the health care system and vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and those with medical conditions, he said. “Get your shots, wear mascara, stay home when you’re sick and wash your hands and clean those high surfaces,” he said. “Toronto, we know what we have to do and we know how to do it. We can do this together.” De Villa said “these simple steps” are good ways to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. He said vaccination, in particular, is one of the best tools for preventing infection and reducing the severity of infection. Her remarks came as the City of Toronto launched its 2022-2023 flu vaccination campaign. Toronto has six city-run vaccination clinics that offer both flu and COVID 19 vaccines, and de Villa said that means one-stop shopping. Toronto Mayor John Tory receives one of two needles on Wednesday. The mayor got his flu and COVID-19 shots on the same day and is encouraging Torontonians to get vaccinated as well. (CBC) As part of the campaign, Mayor John Tory also rolled up his sleeves and received his flu shot and bivalent COVID-19 souvenir. “I got my shots today because I both wanted to protect myself and I also wanted to make sure I did everything I could to encourage other people to get vaccinated,” Tori said. De Villa added: “It is also safe and convenient to get your flu shot and your COVID-19 reminder at the same time, as the mayor did today.”
The actions can ease the strain on health care, the city says
In a news release Wednesday, the city said: “Getting more people vaccinated, along with using personal protection practices such as hand and respiratory hygiene and staying home when sick, can reduce exposure and lead to fewer infections and less severe illness. community, which will help reduce the pressure on our health system.” Public Health Canada says the flu is spread from person to person by droplets produced by coughing, sneezing or talking. People can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for people six months of age and older. Persons 12 years of age and older are eligible for the bivalent souvenir. Flu shots are available by appointment or by appointment and no health card is required.
