Ontario's health minister kicked off the province's annual flu immunization campaign by rolling up her sleeve and getting a flu shot in front of reporters Monday morning.
Deb Matthews received the flu shot from a Toronto pharmacist, becoming one of the first Ontarians to do so.
Ontario’s government recently changed the rules on who can administer the vaccine, allowing pharmacists at about 600 pharmacies to offer it to anyone over the age of five.
The province expanded the program to make it more convenient for people to get a flu jab.
Matthews said about one-third of Ontarians get a flu shot, but that number should be higher.
If more people get immunized, she said, fewer people will have to take sick leave from work or school, and clinics and hospitals will see fewer patients who are sick with the flu, freeing staff to assist other patients.
Matthews said she hopes allowing pharmacists to provide flu shots will bring the province's 33 per cent take-up rate closer to the 50 per cent level seen in other provinces.
Pharmacies will be paid $7.50 for each flu shot they administer, and the government says new regulations allow pharmacists to add a charge for renewing prescriptions.
The government expects all 3,500 pharmacies in Ontario will be able to offer the flu shots next year.
With files from The Canadian Press
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