Two Stage Flu Vaccine Progam This Fall

Monday, September 28, 2009 11:22 AM

Prince George, B.C.- The Province of B.C. has rolled out a two stage plan for delivery of flu shots this fall.

The seasonal flu vaccine campaign will focus first on those at highest risk for seasonal flu and be followed closely by the H1N1 flu vaccine that will be available to everyone who needs and wants it.

"Delivering the vaccine campaign in this fashion allows us to best protect British Columbians most at risk from seasonal flu, while still ensuring that everyone who needs and wants the H1N1 flu vaccine will be able to receive it as soon as it's available," says Provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. "By initially targeting the seasonal flu campaign to those at highest risk, it not only removes a number of logistical challenges that come with trying to run two full immunization programs at once, but it is also in the best public health interest of British Columbians."

On October 13, the seasonal flu vaccine will be offered to people 65 and older, and residents in long-term care homes. A pneumococcal vaccine will also be available at the same time for high-risk individuals (seniors and those with chronic medical conditions) to prevent influenza-related pneumonia.

In November, the H1N1 flu vaccine will be rolled out and will be available to everyone who needs and wants it. Then, in early 2010, the seasonal flu vaccine will once again be offered to everyone else under the age of 65 according to the usual guidelines.

"This year, the predominant strain of seasonal influenza is, in fact, the pandemic H1N1 virus," said Dr. David Patrick, epidemiology services director at the BC Centre for Disease Control. "While those people who are 65 and older and who live in long-term care homes should still receive the seasonal flu shot, for the majority of the population, the flu virus they need to protect themselves against is this strain of H1N1."

The decision to focus the flu vaccine campaign in this way was based on a number of reasons, including:

* The possibility of an early fall second wave of H1N1 flu.

* The timing of H1N1 vaccine availability.

* The strains of influenza that are currently circulating.

* Canadian research that has suggested a potential association between prior seasonal influenza vaccination and the risk of acquiring pandemic H1N1 disease.

More information on the seasonal flu vaccine, including a flu clinic locator will be posted at www.immunizebc.ca when the information becomes available.

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Posted on Monday, September 28, 2009 11:22 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: regulargirl on September 28 2009 5:03 PM

With all the information out there about the side effects of vaccination and related health concerns with getting a flu shot, for either virus, I will not be getting any flu shot. Instead I will practice easier and safer ways of protecting myself from getting the flu. Considering the makers of the H1N1 vaccine won't take the shot, neither will I. I see these flu shots as a major money maker for the pharm. companies. Eat healthy, wash your hands, and exercise.

Posted by: Chester on September 28 2009 10:30 PM

I am another one who will not line up for this shot. And I fear that our well intentioned government officials may even try to force us to accept the vaccines.

The flu virus is extremely contagious. It can remain infectious for quite sometime. Not hours, but days. Touching contaminated surfaces may lead to infection as well.

Prevention of seasonal flu requires fastidious personal hygiene. Wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water every 2 to 3 hours. Avoid close contact with obviously ill persons. (within a radius of at least 6 feet)

Using humidifiers are discouraged. Using a nebulizing diffuser for 15 minutes every 2 to 4 hours with some specific essential oils is suggested. (Lemon, Lavender and Ravensara)

If you have the flu, stay home. The N95 Face Mask is most common. Make sure you use the proper size. Beards and moustachs pose special problems with masks, and should be shaved off.

It is common knowledge that essential oils do have a strong effect on viruses and infectious diseases. Do your research.

I will suggest that your Doctor will not have much knowledge about this type of treatment for Virus' or super germs.

I have witnessed office workers dropping like flies after their shots while I continued to work all around them for the past 10 years. I'm not sold on their solutions.

Influenza kills mainly by impairing the body's ability to exchange oxygen from the air with carbon dioxide in the blood. The lungs are the organs that achieve this function, so the dreaded signs of severe influenza relate to respiratory failure.

This is still a very serious issue and shouldn't be taken lightly. I'm only suggesting some things I have learned to help me do a better job of preparing myself ahead of time and minimizing my exposure to others who may be infected.