The following provides information from Peel Public Health related to items discussed at recent CRT meetings; including key messages and resources related to:

  • Flu and Immunization Clinics 
  • Halloween 

Flu and Immunization Clinics 

During this flu season, it is vitally important, even more so than in past years, for all of us to get the flu shot.  The flu shot won’t stop COVID-19 but the flu vaccine contributes to overall health, through prevention of seasonal flu infections. Free flu shots are available by booking an appointment at local pharmacies, doctor’s offices or walk-in clinics.

Peel Public Health flu clinics will be targeted to families with children from 6 months to 5 years, and those who have difficulty accessing vaccines, including those living with housing supports, in emergency shelters, and those without OHIP.

Peel Public Health flu clinic appointments will begin taking bookings on October 29 through the regional website at peelregion.ca/flu at which time a press release and social media will also be launched.

Peel Public Health is currently planning for the resumption of immunization clinics. Immunization clinics will focus on vaccinating students who missed vaccine doses in the 2019-2020 school year, and newcomer students who require a vaccine in order to attend school.

Immunizations will move out of school settings to Region of Peel locations.

Peel Public Health has been updating school boards and Council on school-based immunizations, which are taking place by appointment only through Peel Public Health.

More information, including a flu fact sheet, is  available here: https://peelregion.ca/flu/; https://peelregion.ca/flu/_media/flu-fact-sheet-2020.pdf

 

Halloween

This year, Peel Public Health’s recommendation on celebrating Halloween takes into account the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. The Halloween guidance reflects what is right for Peel. In the spirit of community safety, Halloween is not cancelled, but will look different this year.

Peel Public Health continues to recommend keeping celebrations to close contacts within your immediate household.

Trick or treating may be associated with other high-risk activities for spreading the virus, like gathering in groups, close contact and going into other people’s homes.

Peel Public Health and Ontario guidelines discourage traditional door-to-door trick or treating and recommend that residents consider alternative ways to celebrate.

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Suggestions on how to celebrate 

  • This year, don’t let Halloween give us a greater fright due to COVID-19. Safely enjoy the celebration and candy at a distance and away from crowds. Try setting up a treat hunt around the house with those you live with – in full costume of course!
  • Keep the spirit of Halloween alive while staying healthy. Showcase Halloween craft projects on your porch and in your front windows for your neighbours to enjoy at a distance. Wear your costume while you wave at the window!
  • Don’t let COVID-19 spook our community – safely celebrate at home with those you live with by setting up a piñata filled with your favourite Halloween treats.
  • COVID-19 won’t be in disguise this Halloween. Find creative ways to celebrate safely. Leading up to the big day, pick a fun Halloween activity to do with those you live with.
  • Celebrating Halloween this year will be different as we try to reduce the amount of contact with others. Host a virtual party and set up video chats with friends and family members who can’t celebrate in person with you. Encourage children to show off their costumes and talk about their favourite treats.
  • COVID-19 won’t have a costume this year but many of us will be ready for Halloween. Celebrate safely at home by tuning into virtual costume parades in the community and stay connected by sharing photos of your costumes.