Get vaccinated and take precautions against respiratory illnesses 

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison has strongly recommended that individuals get vaccinated and take precautions to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses this fall. Respiratory viruses such as influenza typically increase in the fall and winter months, and PEI, like other parts of Canada, is beginning to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.  

Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is an infection caused by different viruses. It normally targets the nose, throat, and lungs. Usually, attention is needed when you have sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, and body pain. Other common symptoms may include headache, chills, tiredness, loss of appetite, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms may be similar to those of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Those who are infected with COVID-19 may be very ill or have little to no symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 are often similar to other illnesses and may include new or worsening cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fever/chills; sore throat; runny nose, sneezing, congestion; headache; muscle/joint/body aches; feeling unwell/unusual tiredness; and acute loss of sense of smell or taste. 

Get vaccinated: 

The PEI Chief Public Health Office is encouraging individuals in PEI to receive a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine and a dose of the seasonal influenza vaccine. If it has been six months since your last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or known COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), it is recommended that individuals aged 6 months old and over get a dose of the vaccine (further details available here).  

The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre is providing flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for all students as well as faculty, staff, and their families in October:  

• October 18: McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, 9:00 am–3:00 pm 
• October 19: McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, 12:00 pm–7:00 pm 
• October 25: The McCain Foundation Learning Commons Atrium, AVC, 1:00 pm–7:00 pm. 

These are mass clinics (appointments are not required), and the vaccines are provided free of charge. Please bring your provincial health card, proof of your UPEI international insurance, or UPEI student/staff/faculty ID. You can receive both the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster at the same time, but it will require two injections. (Please note that children aged 12 and under for the COVID-19 booster, and children aged 2 and under for flu shots, have to go to PEI Public Health.) 

For those who are unable to attend the scheduled vaccination clinics, there is also the option to bring your health card to the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre to make an appointment and discuss more details with the registered nurse. 

Take precautions and practice good personal/respiratory hygiene: 

• Wash your hands often especially after touching your face, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, or coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces.  
• When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth, and wash your hands after. 
• While wearing a mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19 or the flu is not required at UPEI, those who wish to wear one for protection are welcome to do so. 
• Self-monitor for symptoms.

For more information and PEI Chief Public Health Guidance, visit the About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the About Influenza (the flu) web pages on the Government of Prince Edward Island website.