Influenza Immunization Program to commence in October

The Department of Health and Community Services wishes to advise the public that the annual Influenza Immunization Program will begin in the province at the end of October.

The influenza virus is passed easily from one person to another. Symptoms include rapid onset of dry 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.

�Influenza season occurs every year and in this province we usually see cases beginning in December and continuing through to April,� said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province. �Getting your annual influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the serious complications of influenza in high risk individuals.�

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 those 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; and everyone age 65 and over, and children six to 23 months of age.

The provincial public health program also provides influenza vaccine free of charge for health care workers and other essential workers in the community.

Dr. Stratton added: �Following the basic practices of good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and covering all coughs and sneezes can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.�

Individuals eligible for the public health immunization program can make an appointment with their family physician or contact their local public health office for information on any public health immunization clinic that may be offered in their area.

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

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

2005 10 07                               9:10 a.m.