Reminder for Residents to Get Vaccinated During Influenza Season

The Department of Health and Community Services would like to remind people that the seasonal flu shot is still available throughout the province. Residents with chronic illness and those over the age of 65 are also encouraged to receive the one-time pneumococcal vaccine, which prevents pneumonia complications from influenza. Both vaccinations are available through a family physician or public health office.

“We are starting to see confirmed cases of influenza in the province this flu season,” said Dr. Stratton. “Receiving the seasonal flu shot, along with practising good hygiene, is still the most effective way to protect against influenza viruses.”

The influenza vaccine is provided at no cost for individuals at high risk for complications from influenza, including:

• Adults and children with chronic conditions requiring regular medical or hospital care such as respiratory disorders, cardiac disease, renal disease, metabolic disorders and arthritis;
• Staff and individuals living in residential care;
• Health care workers, including those in community and chronic care facilities;
• Individuals age 65 years and over;
• Children age six months to 60 months of age;
• Aboriginal people;
• Pregnant women, particularly those in the third trimester;
• Essential services staff;
• Poultry and swine workers; and,
• Household contacts or caregivers of people at high risk who cannot themselves be immunized.

“Flu symptoms include rapid onset of cough, fever, headache, chills and general body aches and pains,” said Dr. Stratton. “Individuals experiencing these symptoms should stay at home to prevent the spread of influenza to others.”

The Provincial Government today launched its Clean, Cover & Contain Campaign to increase awareness of the importance of practising good hygiene in the prevention of influenza. The campaign will run for four weeks. It consists of print and radio advertising. Please visit www.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/hygiene/ to view the campaign materials.

For further information on the influenza vaccination, individuals should contact the Regional Health Authority in their area.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca 

2011 01 24             9:45 a.m.