The Department of Health and Community Services wishes to advise the public that the influenza vaccine will be available starting this week.

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge for persons at high risk, including: all adults and children with chronic heart or lung disease or with other diseases severe enough to require regular medical treatment or hospital care (such as severe asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, etc.); all residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities; everyone age 65 and over; all children six to 23 months of age; health care workers; other essential workers in the community and workers involved with the poultry industry.

"Influenza season typically begins in Newfoundland and Labrador in December and continues through to April," said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province. "Because of an indication of an earlier than usual influenza season this year, the first available doses of the influenza vaccine have already been administered to residents and staff of long-term care facilities to protect our most vulnerable members of society."

The influenza virus is passed easily from one person to another. Symptoms include rapid onset of cough, fever, headache, chills and general body aches and pains. Most people who get influenza will be sick for about a week, but will recover completely. Persons with chronic diseases or those with a weaker immune system (such as the very young and the very old) may take longer to recover and are more likely to suffer from complications of influenza including pneumonia and death.

Dr. Stratton added: "Following the basic practices of good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently, covering all coughs and sneezes and staying away from crowds when you are sick can help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory infections."

Individuals eligible for the influenza immunization program can attend any public health immunization clinic that may be offered in their area, or make an appointment with their family physician.

For further information on the influenza vaccination program in your area, contact your regional public health office.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca