January 31, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is sharing information to help people stay safe during flu and respiratory illness season. Influenza cases continue to occur in the state, mostly due to influenza A. It is especially important to protect people at risk of more severe illness, such as the elderly, young children, people with chronic conditions, and pregnant women.
Click here for details vaccination Other methods Helps prevent the spread of influenza As well as important notes regarding masking and Visitation guidelines In a medical facility.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated!
· Anyone over 6 months of age can receive not only the COVID-19 vaccine but also the influenza vaccine. Vaccines are safe, effective, and continue to be the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness.
· Click here for more information and reservations. TimefortheShot.ca.
· A toll-free number is also available for vaccine appointments: Eastern Urban and Eastern Rural – 1-833-951-3884. Central Zone – 1-833-961-3749; Labrador-Grenfell Zone – 1-833-960-3643; and Western Zone – 1-833-703-5470.
- Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are also available free of charge through participating local pharmacies, GPs and nurses.
Other ways to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses
- Please stay home if you feel unwell.
- Wear a mask in crowded spaces and indoors, especially if you are at high risk for complications.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue.
- Regularly clean and disinfect areas that are frequently touched by others (such as doorknobs).
Visit a loved one in a hospital or long-term care facility
- Visitors/support personnel will be required to self-test for COVID-19/respiratory illness. learn more.
- Visitors/supporters who are unwell or ill should not visit patients/long-term care residents or accompany others to appointments. Wait 24 hours after your symptoms have subsided before visiting a hospital or long-term care facility.
- If there are extenuating circumstances, such as childbirth or end of life, the visit should be done in consultation with the clinical care team.
Guidelines for masks in healthcare facilities
- Masks are temporarily required in all clinical areas of health care facilities, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Masks are available at health care facilities.
- Visitors/support personnel, customers and patients (outpatient clinics and emergency departments) include: Required Wear a properly fitted medical mask in waiting rooms for medical services/appointments, care/treatment areas, and when visiting patients or residents of long-term care facilities. learn more.
- These precautions are in place to keep our patients, customers, long-term care residents, visitors, staff, and physicians safe and to help prevent and prevent the spread of infection.