Flu season is approaching and public health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up for the launch of this year’s influenza (flu) vaccination campaign.
Public flu clinics will begin providing flu shots next week in the Chase/Shuswap area on a drop-in basis.
“There are many myths and misconceptions about the flu shot, so it’s important for people to get accurate information to help them stay healthy,” says Dr. Rob Parker, medical health officer with Interior Health. “For example, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. The vaccine used in B.C. contains dead influenza viruses that cannot cause infection.”
Influenza is a highly contagious infection and can be very serious, especially for those with heart, lung and other health problems. In years when influenza is widespread in B.C., hundreds of people may die from it or complications such as pneumonia.
“The two most important ways to protect yourself from getting the flu are to wash your hands frequently and get your flu shot,” says Parker. “Flu vaccinations are a proven, safe and effective way to reduce your chances of getting the flu. The flu shot also lessens the severity of symptoms for those who do get the flu.”
The flu shot is free of charge for British Columbia residents who are 65 years and older, as well as their caregivers and household contacts, all children age six to 59 months of age, household contacts and caregivers of infants age zero to 59 months of age, children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts, aboriginal people, children and youths six months to 18 years, with conditions treated for long periods of time with aspirin or ASA and their household contacts, residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities, pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts (pregnant women who are in other high-risk groups can be immunized at any time during the pregnancy), people who are very obese, health-care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications, people who provide essential community services (first responders, corrections workers), inmates of provincial correctional institutions, people who work with live poultry and/or swine, individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings with high-risk such as crews on ships.
“Everyone can benefit from a flu shot. Even if you don’t become severely ill, getting the flu can mean several missed days of school or work and you may pass it on to someone who is at greater risk,” says Parker. “The flu shot is anywhere from 60 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza, and if you don’t get it you can’t spread it.”
People not eligible for the free flu vaccine through the publicly-funded program should contact their physician, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic, travel clinic or private provider.
Residents of the North Shuswap can get their vaccinations at the North Shuswap Community Hall on Monday Oct. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The clinic will be at the Chase community hall Tuesday, Oct. 16 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:15 until 3:30 p.m. Those whose last name begins with a letter from ‘A’ to ‘L’ are asked to go to the hall on Oct. 16; those whose last name begins ‘with M’ to ‘Z’ can get their shot on the 17th.
The children’s flu clinic will not be held until Oct. 24 at the Chase health centre and will run from noon to 4 p.m., and again from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. An appointment must be made to attend the children’s flu clinic by calling 250-679-1393.
Those unable to attend the clinic on their designated day may book an appointment at the Chase health centre after Oct. 26 by calling 250-679-1393.
For more information on whether you qualify for a free flu shot, or general information on the influenza vaccine, please see the Interior Health website at www.interiorhealth.ca. Information is also available on the Immunize BC website at www.immunizebc.ca, or on HealthLink BC at www.healthlinkbc.ca.
You can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak to a health-care professional.
