Joint DM/CDS message for the 2020/2021 flu season 

October 14, 2020 – Defence Stories

Dear Defence Team members:

With flu season around the corner and the continuance of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remain vigilant and continue to focus on an operationally healthy force. That is why this year is more important than ever for you and your family to receive the annual flu shot.

The Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence needs to ensure that influenza doesn’t degrade our operational readiness if or when we are once again called upon to help Canadians. If someone with COVID-19 also has the flu, they are more likely to spread infection through flu symptoms like coughing and sneezing.

For Regular Force members and full-time Reservists (>180 days): getting your seasonal flu vaccine is convenient and easy—simply attend a flu shot clinic organized through the Canadian Forces Health Services. Clinics will adhere to COVID-19 public health measures when administering flu vaccines. Further information regarding your local flu shot clinic is available from your local Canadian Forces Health Centre.

We also recommend the flu vaccine for all civilian employees, Class A and Class B reservists (<180 days) and their families. The flu vaccine can be accessed through your provincial health care providers. National Defence is also exploring offering the flu vaccine for civilian employees currently working in the NCR and at bases and wings. Stay tuned for more information on this in the coming weeks.

For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, please visit the Government of Canada’s Flu (influenza): Get your flu shot web page.

Do your part to stay healthy and safe.