Health Tips for Fall

Immunization Reporting

• How to submit your immunization records online Immunization Reporting | HealthUnit Haldimand-Norfolk (hnhu.org) 

COVID-19 Boosters

• As of July 7, 2023, the Ontario Ministry of Health recommends people ages five years and over, should wait to get a booster dose this fall 2023. Infants and children six months to four years of age are not eligible for a booster dose.
• Recommendations for fall booster doses will be available closer to Fall 2023.

Flu Shots

• Flu Shots: Myths & Realities
• All about Influenza
• Flu Shots (Ontario Government)
• Hand washing and staying healthy — Health Canada
• Prevent Illness this Respiratory Season

Shingles Vaccine

• Eligibility for the free two-dose Shingrix^® Vaccine for those born in 1949-1952 has been extended to Dec. 31, 2023.
• Get the free shingles vaccine. — Ontario Ministry of Health

Prevent the Spread of Illness

• The HNHU would like to remind you of some healthy habits that prevent germs and infectious diseases from spreading.

Influenza (The Flu)

• All about Influenza
• Flu Shots (Ontario Government)
• Hand washing and staying healthy — Health Canada

COVID-19

• Up-to-date information about COVID-19, including testing and boosters.

RSV

• Find information about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), including information for parents. — Ontario.ca

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children

The Healthy Babies Healthy Children program is a free, voluntary home visiting program for families, from pregnancy until the child goes to school. The program supports pregnant moms, their partners, and their families.

Well Baby & Breastfeeding Drop-Ins

Public Health Nurses facilitate free drop-in programs, in partnership with local EarlyON centres.

Parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers are all welcome. It is an opportunity to connect with other families EarlyON staff and talk to a Public Health Nurse

For more info, including clinic times and locations, please visit Well Baby Clinics 

Prenatal Classes

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit offers a combination of in-person and online prenatal classes.

For more information about classes, including dates and fees, please visit Prenatal Classes.

Healthy Lunches

• Food helps support your child’s growth and development and gives them the energy to learn and play.  
• For additional information on packing school lunches:  
• School Lunch Your Kids Will Munch (PDF) – English 
• School Lunch Your Kids Will Munch (PDF) – French  
• Balanced School Lunch Ideas 
• Peanut and Tree Nut Aware Lunches and Snacks (PDF) 
• Unlock Food: Simple lunch solutions  
• For additional information on supporting your learning eater: 
• Nurturing Eaters in Elementary Schools 
• Canada’s Food Guide – Tips for Eating Well  
• Safe Food Handling for Children Under 5  

School Health

Your School Health Team works with students, parents, staff, school boards and community agencies to protect and promote healthy schools.

Benefits of Active School Travel

Walking and biking to school is also a great way for kids to get the physical activity needed for healthy minds.

Ticks

Ticks remain active into the fall, so take care and check yourself and your pets if you go hiking, hunting, or raking leaves in your yard.

ontario.ca/page/tick-borne-diseases

Water Testing

With fall's arrival, it's a good reminder that if you get water from a well or cistern, you must test your water seasonally. Free water sample kits for bacteria testing are available from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. For more info, visit Water Testing — HNHU.