Interior Health reminds people: flu season is approaching
| Health and Fitness |
With flu season approaching, public health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up for the launch of this year’s influenza (flu) vaccination campaign that will begin the last week of October.
Last year, close to 150,000 seasonal flu shots were provided free of charge to those at risk of complications from the flu.
“This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains, and includes the pandemic strain that we saw last year,” says Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health. “The two most important ways to protect yourself this flu season are to wash your hands frequently, and get your flu shot – especially if you are over 65, or have a chronic health condition.”
The flu is highly contagious and can cause severe complications for those with heart, lung, and other health problems. Even if you don’t become severely ill, getting the flu can mean several missed days of school, work, and other activities. Flu vaccinations are a proven, safe and effective way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and to lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get it.
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.
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
· 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)
While flu shots are free for 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. People not eligible for free flu vaccine through the publicly-funded program should contact their physician, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic, travel clinic or private provider.
For more information contact your local Public Health office (look under Interior Health in the blue pages of your phone book) or visit our website at . Information is also available on the Immunize BC website at , or on HealthLink BC at You can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak to a healthcare professional.
Flu clinics in 100 Mile House:
November 2, 2010 at the South Cariboo Health Centre - Multi Purpose Room 555D, Cedar Avenue from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Call 250-395-7676 for more information. Surname A to L. Appointment necessary.
November 3, 2010 at the South Cariboo Health Centre - Multi Purpose Room 555D, Cedar Avenue from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Call 250-395-7676 for more information. Surname M to Z. Appointment necessary.
November 23 and 24, 2010 at the South Cariboo Health Centre - Multi Purpose Room 555D, Cedar Avenue from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Call 250-395-7676 for more information. Surname M to Z. No appointment necessary.
Be sure to check the for the very latest informationand schedules.
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