Get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines, says GN
Both immunizations recommended because 2 illnesses have similar symptoms
Nunavut health officials are urging residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as cases of irespiratory illnesses rise across the territory. (File photo)
Nunavut’s Department of Health is urging people to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 as cases of respiratory illnesses rise across the territory.
People should check their immunization status and book vaccinations if they are not up to date, the department announced Tuesday in a public health advisory.
Officials emphasized that the flu shot must be taken every year, as it does not provide lifetime immunity.
It is important to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as the illnesses can present with similar symptoms and can worsen each other.
The vaccines are available at community health centres and public health units across the territory.
The department also reiterated ways to reduce spread of the illnesses.
These include staying home when sick; practising respiratory etiquette; washing hands frequently; avoiding touching the face; disposing of tissues promptly; keeping distance from others; avoiding smoking indoors, especially around babies; and getting vaccinated.
The advisory comes as health officials closed Gjoa Haven’s continuing care centre to visitors this week because of COVID-19 cases in that facility.
It is shocking that we are still identifying ‘covid’ as a distinct respiratory ailment