The Department of Health and Community
Services advise residents that the seasonal influenza
vaccine (seasonal flu shot), is now available at no cost
to a number of other at-risk groups who were not
identified in the original recommended categories.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available
from both family physician offices and public health
clinics.
"In September, the season flu
vaccination program began for many at-risk individuals
throughout our province," said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief
Medical Officer of Health. "As the H1N1 flu vaccination
efforts wind down, we are now prepared to offer the
seasonal flu vaccine to those who would like to receive
the vaccine and are in one of the identified priority
groups, starting immediately."
Initially, the Department of Health
and Community Services recommended the seasonal
influenza vaccine for: individuals 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 department now recommends the
following individuals receive the seasonal flu vaccine:
All children six months to 23
months of age;
Health care workers;
Other essential workers in the
community, including police, ambulance,
firefighters or other persons whose services may
be considered essential;
Pregnant women; and,
Workers involved with the
poultry industry.
"Vaccination is the best defence
against the season flu," said Dr. Stratton. "Getting
vaccinated is especially important during the winter
season where we spend more time indoors and in closer
contact with others. The influenza virus tends to spread
faster in these environments."
The typical flu season in Newfoundland
and Labrador runs from December to April. Many people
mistake the flu for other respiratory or stomach
illnesses. Flu symptoms usually include rapid onset of
cough, fever, headache, chills and general body aches
and pains. Most people who get influenza are often 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.
"Taking every available precaution to
prevent the flu is imperative," added Dr. Stratton. "We
have seen with the H1N1 pandemic outbreak that proper
hygiene, vaccination and staying home when you
experience symptoms of the flu may help stop the spread
of the illness. Influenza is highly contagious and can
result in very serious complications. Immunization is a
simple and effective way for everyone to stay healthy
during flu season."
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