Waterloo region health officials say it's time to get your flu shot. Here's what you need to know

The best time to get your flu shot ⁠— is now.

That's according to Lashen Naidoo, a local pharmacist and president of the Region of Waterloo Pharmacy Association. He is encouraging everyone to go get their yearly vaccine as soon as possible.

"That sort of mindset definitely helps promote communal immunization, which obviously is what we need," he said. "Having a greater percentage of people immunized is what protects everyone."

According to the Region of Waterloo Public Health (ROWPH), the flu season lasts from November through to April each year.

The season started earlier in the region with the first two lab-confirmed cases reporter late September. 

In an online statement, ROWPH said "the flu is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus", adding that the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands often with soap, disinfect common surfaces and get vaccinated.

Where to get vaccinated 

The flu shot is available for free at any pharmacy, walk-in clinic or through any other health care provider.

Naidoo said there are some things to keep in mind before you head out to get the vaccine.

"If you've got a high temperature, if you've got sore throat, anything that resembles symptoms of a cold, you should not be going for a vaccine. Obviously, pharmacy staff will question you and ascertain whether you have those symptoms because you don't want to be getting the vaccine when you are symptomatic."

Who should get vaccinated

Naidoo said all adults can get a flu shot, unless they are allergic to the contents of the flu vaccine.

Getting the flu shot is strongly recommended for those aged five and up — but children as young as two years old can also get vaccinated to help keep them protected while attending daycare, where Naidoo said the virus is more likely to spread.

Naidoo said it is important for high risk individuals to get their vaccine sooner rather than later.

"Earliest time is now to book it and get it done," he said.