FIGHT THE FLU – GET IMMUNIZED

VICTORIA – As constant as the changing colour of the leaves, every fall brings about the flu and, along with it, the immunization program that will help people stay healthy, said Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak at the launch of the annual influenza campaign.

The flu campaign kicked off today at the legislature with ministers, health-care workers, emergency workers, and seniors all rolling up their sleeves for their shot in the arm.

“Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and others from the flu,” said Polak. “It’s a simple and proactive way to stay healthy and keep from spreading the virus to family, friends, colleagues and those with whom we come in contact.”

Influenza, often called the flu, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by an influenza virus. A person with influenza is also at risk of other infections, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. In Canada, it is estimated up to 7,000 people die from influenza and its complications every year.

The flu shot is offered free-of-charge to British Columbians considered in the higher-risk population. These include:

· Children six to 23 months of age;

· Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during the influenza season;

· Seniors 65 years and older and their caregivers;

· Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities;

· Health-care workers;

· Household contacts, caregivers and daycare staff of children under 24 months of age;

· Employees and inmates of B.C. correctional facilities;

· Emergency responders;

· Those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings such as cruise ships; and

· Farmers and other people who work with live chickens or pigs.

The vaccine is also recommended for healthy people two to 64 years of age. Many employers provide free vaccinations while many pharmacies and doctors’ offices provide the service for a small fee.

“Influenza can be a serious illness, one that takes its toll on people in schools, hospitals and other workplaces every year,” said Vancouver Island Health Authority chief medical health officer Richard Stanwick. “About one in four non-immunized health-care workers become infected every flu season, a number that can be reduced by getting the vaccine.”

In addition to getting a flu shot, good hygiene practices, such as thorough and frequent hand washing and coughing into a tissue and throwing it away, help prevent the spread of this potentially fatal infection.

Information on clinics is available through the BC NurseLine, in Vancouver at 604 215-4700, or toll-free across the province at 1-866-215-4700. A new, online flu clinic locator is also available that allows the public to get information on clinics in their area by entering a postal code or community name. To access the locator, visit www.immunizebc.ca.

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Media contact:	Anne McKinnon Communications Director Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport 250 952-2387

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.