Flu season has arrived: Time to get your shot

Oct 25, 2019 | 11:40 AM

It’s that time of year again — time to get your flu shot.

Interior Health has launched its annual campaign to encourage people to get immunized.

The flu is a sometimes serious and even deadly infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza virus that spreads easily from person to person.

“Having the flu shot reduces both your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to our most vulnerable loved ones who are at high risk of flu-related complications,” said Dr. Silvina Mema, Interior Health Medical Health Officer. “We especially recommend those at risk as well as visitors to hospitals, long-term care facilities and other patient care locations get the flu shot.”

Flu shots are available through your pharmacist, health care provider, First Nations community health nurse, or your local health unit.

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Interior Health (IH) immunization clinics will begin the week of Oct. 28 and will continue in communities throughout November, with flu shots available by appointment throughout the rest of the season.

To get more information, or to find an influenza clinic or provider near you, visit Immunize BC and click on “Find a Clinic.

The flu shot is free for the following people:

· People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts;

· People of any age in long-term care facilities;

· Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts;

· Children and adolescents (six months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Aspirin (ASA), and their household contacts;

· Children and adults who are morbidly obese;

· Aboriginal people;

· All children six to 59 months of age;

· Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children from birth to 59 months of age;

· Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season and their household contacts;

· Visitors to hospitals, health centres and long-term care facilities;

· People who work with live poultry;

· 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 care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high-risk persons (e.g., crews on ships); and

· People who provide essential community services (first responders, corrections workers).

by Pete McIntyre

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