Prince George, B.C.- The number of   people in Prince George who have received their flu shot in the first two weeks of it being offered this year, is well below the numbers who got their shot during the same period in 2008/2009.

 

Northern Health’s Eryn Collins says there is no point in comparing numbers to last year because that would be “comparing apples, to oranges.” Instead, a comparison with a “normal” flu shot season, such as was the case in 2008/’09,  shows a significant drop this year in Prince George (and some other communities under the Northern Health umbrella) of people who have rolled up their sleeves.

 

Here are some numbers of flu shots delivered in the first two full  weeks of flu shot clinics:

 

 

Collins says there is no clear answer as to why the numbers are off the mark in so many communities including Prince George. “It may be a misconception that there is a prioritized shot distribution as there was last year, or people may not be certain if they are on the list of who is eligible for a free shot, but if most people checked, they would see there is a strong likelihood they would qualify for a free shot.”

 

The list of   people eligible for a free flu shot includes anyone over the age of 65, children or adults with chronic underlying conditions, or anyone who is in regular contact with people in the previous two categories. So for example, a healthy 5 year old may not normally qualify, unless  he or she is regularly exposed to daily household contact with someone over the age of 65.   “I would really encourage people to take a  good look at the list of those eligible for a free shot” says Collins, “ I think most people will see they qualify.”

The list  of who qualifies for a free shot is as follows:

• Persons 65 and older
• Residents of long-term care homes
• Persons with chronic diseases/health conditions:
  • Cardiac or pulmonary disorders
  • Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
  • Cancer;immunodeficiency;immunosuppression due to underlying disease or therapy
  • Chronic kidney disease and liver disease
  • Anemia and hemoglobinopathy
  • Conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration
• Healthy children aged 6 to 23 months
• People aged 6 months - 18 years who have a condition that is treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid
• Household and regular child care contacts of children aged 0 to 23 months
• Household contacts of someone who is at high risk, whether or not those people have been immunized
• Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season (typically spanning November to April)
• Aboriginal peoples (on and off reserve) for the 2010-2011 influenza season
• People who are very obese (those with a body mass index of 40 or greater)
• Inmates of provincial correctional institutions
• People working directly with live poultry
• Health care workers or other personnel who have significant contact with people in a high risk group
• First responders such as police officers, fire-fighters, and ambulance crews
• Corrections Officers
• People who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (i.e. crew on ships)

 

There are flu shot clinics scheduled in Prince George for the 12^th and 19^th of this month at the Health Unit from 9 am to 3:30. There will also be a clinic at the Healthier You event at the Civic Centre this weekend. 

In Vanderhoof, there is a clinic today and tomorrow at the Health Unit.

In Terrace, clinics are set for the 12^th and 26^th at the Health Unit. Prince Rupert has a clinic set for Wednesday from 1-4p.m.