Protect yourself and those
around you – get your flu shot!
TMTV/BCTV
KOOTENAYS - Submitted Oct 2, 2008 -
With the flu season just around the corner, public
health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up
for the November launch of this year’s influenza
(flu) vaccination campaign. Last year, close to
150,000 flu shots were provided free of charge to
those at risk of complications from the flu.
“We
had an excellent response to our annual flu campaign
last year and we hope to see that continue,”
comments Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer
for Interior Health. “Getting your flu shot,
especially for people over 65 years of age or with
chronic health conditions, is a simple, safe and easy
way to stay healthier this flu season.”
The
flu is highly contagious and can cause severe
complications for those with heart, lung, and other
health problems. Flu vaccinations are a proven, safe
and effective way to reduce your chances of getting
the flu and to reduce the severity of symptoms if you
do get it. A flu shot is one of the best steps you
can take to stay healthy this winter.
For the clinic nearest you watch for
local announcements on dates and times in your
community or contact your local Public Health office
(check the blue pages in your phone book under Health
Authorities) or visit our website at www.interiorhealth.ca for a complete
listing. Many physician offices also provide vaccines
free to those who are eligible.
While Public Health only provides free
flu shots to those 65 and older and those at risk,
anyone can benefit from a flu shot. It is 70 to 90 per cent effective in
preventing influenza in healthy children and adults.
Flu shots can
be purchased through some pharmacies, walk-in clinics
or physicians.
“Getting
your flu shot, regardless of your health, and being
diligent about washing your hands, will reduce the
risk of spreading the flu to family and friends,”
adds Dr. Hasselback.
The
flu shot is proven safe and effective and is free
for:
·
People
65 years and older and their caregivers/household
contacts
·
Children
and adults with chronic health conditions and their
household contacts
·
Children
and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with
conditions treated for long periods of time with
Acetylsalicylic acid and their household contacts
·
Healthy
children age 6-23 months
·
Household
contacts and caregivers of infants age 0-23 months
·
Pregnant
women who will be in their third trimester during
influenza season and their household contacts
·
Residents
of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
·
Health
care and other care providers in facilities and
community settings who are capable of transmitting
influenza to those at high risk of influenza
complications
·
People
who work with live poultry and/or swine.
For
more information contact your local Public Health
office or visit our website at www.interiorhealth.ca or check out the new Immunize BC
site at www.immunizebc.ca.
You
can also learn more at the BC HealthGuide Online at www.bchealthguide.org or call the BC NurseLine
toll-free at 1-866-215-4700.
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