Prince George, B.C.- Northern Health is  getting set for flu season .  This year,  the flu vaccine  is  taking aim at three strains,  “A-California”, “A-Texas”  and “B-Massachusetts”.   Dr. William Osei,   Medical  Health  Officer for the  Interior Region of Northern Health says “A-Texas” is a new strain  which they will be watching very carefully.

Dr. William Osei, says just as  people prepare their  for  winter by  making sure  their vehicles are winterized, windows and doors on their homes are properly caulked, and the snow blower is up and ready,  it is time to  get the flu vaccine.

“Getting the flu vaccine  can  prevent   you  from getting the flu, or spreading it to others.”  While the  best method of protection is the vaccine,  proper hand hygiene with frequent hand washing, disposing  of used tissues, and coughing into the crook of your  elbow.  is also important.

Those who are at highest  risk are over 65 and under five,  and anyone who suffers from  chronic  illnesses. There is a long list of people who are eligible for free flu shots, that information, as well as the complete list of clinics will be available on the Northern Health  website.

The province of BC  has ordered 1.4 million  doses of vaccine.

“The flu shot is our best shot of protecting  you from the flu” says Dr. William Osei “We’re asking Northern B.C. to bare your shoulders, get that little prick and spare yourself and others from the flu.”

The first public health flu clinic in Prince George will be  at the Healthier You  Expo at the Prince George Civic Centre on  Sunday Oct. 19^th.  After that,  public health flu clinics will  begin in November.

A list of clinic times and locations  can be found  at www.immunizebc.ca  and www.northernhealth.ca or call  your local health unit.

People can get their flu shot at public health clinics, pharmacists, or at select physician and health care professionals.