Health and Community Services
October 31, 2016

Protecting the Well-Being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

Vaccines Offered to Residents as Flu Season Approaches

The Department of Health and Community Services is encouraging everyone six months of age and older to receive the provincial seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. The vaccine provides protection against most common types of flu.

"With symptoms that range from mild to severe, flu is not something to be taken lightly. The seasonal vaccination is the best protection for individuals and families against illness caused by flu, and I encourage residents to avail of the vaccination program in their region."
- The Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services

The vaccine is available free-of-charge through family physician offices and Regional Health Authority public health clinics. As well, authorized pharmacists may provide free-of-charge, a nasal spray vaccine to children two years of age and older, or injections to people five years of age and older, who are members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP). Authorized pharmacists may charge a fee to provide the vaccine to people who are not covered under the program.

"Vaccination against flu is an effective way to protect your personal health against risks of the illness, as well as serious complications such as pneumonia. Vaccination is something all residents are encouraged to consider, particularly high-risk populations such as pregnant women, children and seniors."
- Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador

The vaccine contains two type A and two type B influenza strains to better protect the population. A specialized vaccine that offers greater protection for those aged 65 and older will be offered in long-term care and personal care homes throughout the province.

Schedules for public health clinics in each region can be found at: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/infoforpros_edu.html or by calling the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line toll-free by dialing 8-1-1.

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Media contact:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 31                              10:15 a.m.