Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is encouraging people to "make prevention contagious" by getting vaccinated for the flu this season.
Influenza is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for the very young, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Approximately 2,000 to 8,000 people die every year across Canada from complications due to the flu and pneumonia, and 90 per cent of those who die are seniors.
"Seniors can catch the flu from their family members and care providers," said medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet. "All seniors should be vaccinated. It is also important that caregivers and anyone who lives with seniors get vaccinated so that they don't pass the flu on to them."
Young children are also among those affected by complications. For the first time in B.C., flu shots are free for all children from six months to 59 months (under five years); previously the vaccine was free for children under two years. The flu shot is also free for: people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with chronic health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems.
Also new this year, VCH is the only health authority in B.C. to pilot FluMist, a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. Children and youth two to 17 who are eligible for a free flu shot can choose the traditional vaccine with a needle or the FluMist, which is available on a first come, first served basis at physicians' offices and public health clinics.
VCH clinics are going ahead as scheduled and are not affected by the Health Canada's precautionary suspension of Novartis vaccines. While VCH uses the Novartis-made Fluad and Agriflu vaccines, these are not being currently administered. Seniors, who normally receive the Fluad vaccine are advised to wait until it has been cleared for use, or alternatively they can be vaccinated with Vaxigrip, made by Sanofi Pasteur. Anyone with an allergy to thimerosal, who would normally be vaccinated with Agriflu, should wait until it has been cleared for use.
Flu vaccinations are available at special flu clinics, doctors' offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics and the VCH Travel Clinic.
Flu clinics are taking place in Gibsons at the Legion on Nov. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; in Sechelt at the Legion on Nov. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.; at the Sechelt Indian Band (for Band members only) on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.; and on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. for the general public; again on Nov. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sechelt Health Unit and Nov. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Legion; and in Pender Harbour on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. at the Pender Legion.
For more information about the vaccine and the clinics, go to www.vch.ca.
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