Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program to Begin in October

Seasonal influenza vaccinations, commonly referred to as the flu shot, will be available in October and the Department of Health and Community Services is recommending residents who are considered most at risk for complications of seasonal influenza to be vaccinated. This year the program will be adjusted to reflect the realities of the current influenza season.

�This is a different flu season than we have seen in previous years because both seasonal and H1N1 influenza viruses are circulating in Canada at this time,� said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health. �Public health experts across Canada continue to evaluate the most effective way to protect Canadians from both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. It is important to protect those most at risk for complications from influenza and we are making these recommendations based on the best research and epidemiology currently available.�

For this year, the Department of Health and Community Services recommends the seasonal influenza vaccine for: anyone over the age of 65; residents of long-term care homes; and 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.). The vaccine will be available at no cost for these individuals.

Currently, most illness caused by the H1N1 influenza virus is mild with symptoms similar to seasonal influenza. However, both seasonal and H1N1 influenza viruses have the potential to cause severe illness. Most recent evidence indicates that older individuals have a greater risk of becoming ill due to seasonal influenza, while H1N1 influenza is more likely to cause illness in middle age and younger individuals.

Dr. Stratton added, �Given that we know older individuals and those with underlying conditions are at a greater risk for complications as a result of seasonal influenza, it is important we offer them protection through immunization.�

Similar to previous years, the seasonal influenza vaccinations this year will be available from both physician offices and public health clinics.

�We continue to assess the situation and we learn more as we move through this pandemic,� said Dr. Stratton. �A recommendation to include other at-risk groups for the seasonal influenza vaccine may be determined at a later date.�

Dr. Stratton added that the H1N1 pandemic vaccine is expected to be available by November. However, depending on the evolving disease pattern in Canada, it may be made available earlier.

�Plans are in progress by our regional health authorities to provide all H1N1 vaccinations through public health clinics,� said Dr. Stratton. �Information on these clinics will be available once details are finalized. There will be no cost for individuals who wish to receive this vaccine.�

Residents are reminded to watch for further updates and to check the Provincial Government website at www.gov.nl.ca/health.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2009 09 25                                            1:25 p.m.