B.C. Seasonal Flu Campaign Underway

 Flu Shot Clinics Start

The seasonal influenza vaccine campaign starts Monday at clinics across British Columbia. The annual flu season typically starts in November and lasts until early spring, making the next month an optimal time to get a flu shot.

In British Columbia, the vaccine is provided free for those at risk of complications from the flu, and those living or working in close proximity to them. This includes:

• Those with chronic health conditions
• Seniors
• Health-care workers
• Emergency responders
• Healthy children aged six months to 23 month
• People in contact with children from birth to 23 months of age
• Those who are morbidly obese
•  Aboriginal British Columbians
• Operators of poultry farms
• Women who are pregnant in their third trimester
• Household contacts of people at high risk

British Columbia administers the seasonal flu shot to approximately one million people through its public program each year.

“Getting a flu shot is an effective way of protecting yourself and those around you – at home, at school, at work and in the community,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. “Hand washing, proper coughing and sneezing etiquette and staying home when you or members of your family are sick will also help stop the spread of the flu.”

The 2010–2011 vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza and two other influenza viruses – influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B. Public health officials in B.C. expect that there will be sporadic cases of H1N1, but not the type of pandemic wave seen last year.

This year’s seasonal vaccine is available through clinics, doctors’ offices in some jurisdictions, at public health units and at some local pharmacies. Approximately 800 clinics will be offered through health units and another 200 through local pharmacies. The vaccine will also be available through some doctor’s offices and pharmacies, for a small fee, to those ineligible for a free vaccine.

Chong joined health-care workers today to lend her support at one of Victoria General Hospital’s clinics.

Clinics across British Columbia can be located by using the Flu Locator by clicking here or by contacting local health authorities.

To find more information about seasonal flu use this LINK  call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit Health Link by clicking here.