Flu Season Nearly Here, Flu Shots Ready

Saturday, October 18, 2008 06:19 AM

Every year, around 1400 people in BC die from influenza and pneumonia (which is a serious complication of influenza). Northern Health is urging those residents at risk to get their free influenza vaccine this season.

Those most at risk include the very young, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. These at-risk individuals can become severely ill, suffer secondary illnesses like pneumonia, or may even die.
Healthy younger people who get influenza usually miss a week or more of work or school and are vulnerable to other viruses and bacteria before they fully recover.

"Influenza is a serious health threat, especially for individuals in at-risk categories, such as the elderly," said Dr. David Bowering, Chief Medical Health Officer. "A safe, effective vaccine is readily available. It only makes sense to take advantage of this potentially life-saving protection at the onset of winter when we know influenza will be circulating."

The flu vaccine is free for those in at-risk categories, which include in part:
* People 65 years of age and older,
* Residents of long-term care facilities,
* People with chronic diseases,
* Children aged six to 23 months,
* Women who are pregnant and in their third trimester during influenza season,
* People working directly with live poultry and/or swine
* Health care workers,
* First responders such as police officers, fire-fighters, and ambulance crews.

Starting November 3, public health nurses across the North will begin to provide free influenza vaccination for those in at-risk groups. For local community clinic dates and times, click here .

Many physicians also provide influenza vaccinations to their at-risk patients. Some local pharmacies will also offer flu vaccination to the general public on a charge basis.