January 31, 2014
Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Residents
Minister Encourages Residents to Protect Against Influenza
Seasonal influenza continues to circulate throughout the province and residents are reminded that getting immunized is the optimal way of protecting themselves against the flu. The vaccine is available to all residents in the province through clinics coordinated by regional health authorities and family physicians.
“All residents in Newfoundland and Labrador will have access to the influenza vaccine for the remainder of the flu season. The influenza vaccine works – it protects individuals from influenza reducing time lost from work or school due to illness. We have had positive uptake with more than 143,000 people getting vaccinated so far and we continue to urge residents to connect with their health care provider or visit one of the clinics coordinated by the regional health authorities to receive their vaccine.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services
Available vaccine includes an injectable form which is appropriate for all ages and the FluMist nasal spray which is recommended for generally healthy individuals between the ages of two and 59 years.
As of today, there have been 331 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. The predominant strain of influenza this year is H1N1. There have been 61 hospitalizations and 21 admissions to intensive care, of which, 47 people have been discharged from hospital. There have been four deaths of individuals, this influenza season, who had underlying health conditions.
In comparison, during the same period last year there were 529 cases of influenza, 177 hospitalizations, 19 admissions to intensive care, and 11 deaths.
Residents are reminded to follow the simple rules for preventing and reducing the spread of influenza: clean your hands, cover coughs and sneezes and contain your illness by staying home if you are sick.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
- Seasonal influenza continues to circulate throughout the province and residents are reminded that the optimal way to prevent against acquiring the flu is to get immunized.
- All residents in Newfoundland and Labrador can receive the influenza vaccine at clinics coordinated by regional health authorities and family physicians.
- To date, more than 143,000 residents have been vaccinated and the Provincial Government continues to encourage residents to contact their health care provider or visit one of the clinics coordinated by the regional health authorities to receive their vaccine.
- For more information on influenza, the vaccine or flu shot clinics throughout the province, residents may contact their primary health care provider or call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine toll-free 1-888-709-2929. People may also wish to visit the RHA websites for more information.
- H1N1 has become a part of the normal seasonal flu viruses circulating over the last four years across Canada. If individuals have already had their seasonal influenza vaccine earlier this year, they have protection from three strains of flu, including H1N1, and do not need a second dose.
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Media contact:Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
2014 01 31 1:55 p.m.