Interior Health hosts flu clinics in the Interior

From Interior Health:

It’s that time of year again – sniffles, fevers, aches, and pains –
but getting your flu shot can reduce your chances of suffering
from influenza this season.


This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains, one of which is the pandemic strain (H1N1) that circulated last year. Influenza (flu) shots are free for those 65 or older, people with chronic health conditions, or other at risk groups, including young children and pregnant women. Flu clinics start around the Interior this week.


“The flu shot is a safe, effective way to reduce your chances of getting influenza and reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get it,” says Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer for Interior Health. “The vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza in healthy children and adults. If you aren’t eligible for the free clinics, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor to find out about getting vaccinated.”


Influenza is highly contagious and is the leading cause of preventable death due to infectious disease in Canada, killing thousands of Canadians every year and hospitalizing thousands more. It spreads easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing or talking. Seniors, infants under two and people with chronic illness are most at risk from complications that can result from the flu.


“Getting a flu shot protects you and those around you – at home, school, work and in the community,” adds Dr. Parker. “People can spread the influenza virus before they show symptoms, which is why it is so important for people to be vigilant about washing their hands throughout the day and immediately after sneezing, coughing or before and after visiting daycares, hospitals or healthcare facilities. It is also important to stay home if you are feeling sick.”


Tens of thousands of British Columbians are eligible for free flu shots including:
• 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
• Adults who are very obese
• Aboriginal people
• 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
• Healthcare 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.
• Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings that house high risk persons
(e.g., crew on ships)


To find the flu clinic in your area simply visit www.interiorhealth.ca and click on the Flu Locator button,
or call your local public health office (look under Interior Health in the blue pages of your phone book
for your local health unit). Information is also available at www.immunizebc.ca.