Representatives of Vancouver Coastal Health are encouraging members of the public to get their flu shot - especially babies, young children and seniors.
This year's flu shot for adults protects against three flu strains, the H1N1 and H3N2 strains, as well as a new B strain. New flu vaccines for children will also protect against a second B strain, according to a press release from the health authority. For healthy people, falling sick with the flu means a few days of feeling miserable, but for young children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to hospitalization and ICU admissions, says VCH North Shore medical health officer Dr. Mark Lysyshyn in the statement.
VCH is therefore encouraging everyone to get a flu shot so they're not only protecting themselves, but also the high-risk people around them, he adds.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone.
They are free in B.C. for all children from six months to five years of age, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, and those with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. The vaccine is also free for anyone who lives or works with someone who is at higher risk of problems from the flu.
In Canada, influenza causes the most deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases, outpacing all others combined, says Lysyshyn. People can spread the flu for up to 24 hours before they have any symptoms, so they can pass it on before they even know they're sick. Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent catching it or passing it on, and they're encouraging the public to get their flu shot soon, as outbreaks have already been reported in nursing homes in VCH.
To protect patients in health care facilities, all B.C. health authorities require doctors, staff, students and volunteers to get immunized or wear a mask while at work during flu season. VCH is also asking unvaccinated visitors to their facilities do the same, beginning Dec. 1. Masks will be available at nursing stations and/or outpatient reception desks. People planning to visit loved ones in a health care facility or who will take family members to outpatient appointments during flu season are also eligible for a free flu shot.
Flu vaccinations are available at special public health flu clinics, doctors' offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics and at the VCH Travel Clinic. Flu clinics throughout the VCH region have already begun; more information can be found at vch.ca. Information on other flu clinics in the community can be located at ImmunizeBC.ca.
Upcoming North Shore VCH flu shot clinics include:
- Monday, Nov. 9, 2-4:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Community Health Centre;
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2-4:30 p.m. at John Braithwaite Community Centre;
- Friday, Nov. 13, 2-4:30 p.m. at Parkgate Community Centre;
- Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m. at West Vancouver Community Health Centre.
Info: 604-983-6700.
