February 17, 2014
Supporting Healthy Families and Communities
Influenza Vaccine Available in All Regions of the Province
The flu season in Newfoundland and Labrador circulates between December and April each year. To limit the spread of influenza, residents are encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot which protects against the three strains of flu circulating this year, including H1N1.
“While we have had a moderate influenza season to date, historically, we know that the flu will continue to be active in our province for at least another two months. We are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and protect themselves from influenza by getting a flu shot and continuing to practice proper preventive hygiene by cleaning their hands, covering their coughs and sneezes and remaining home when they are sick.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services
Influenza vaccine is available in all regions of the province through the four regional health authorities or through physician’s offices that normally offer the vaccine.
As of today, there have been 407 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. The predominant strain of influenza this year is H1N1. There have been 71 hospitalizations and 23 admissions to intensive care, of which, 62 people have been discharged from hospital.
There have been five flu related deaths of individuals this influenza season, all of whom had underlying health conditions.
In comparison, during the same period last year there were 645 cases of influenza, 220 hospitalizations, 26 admissions to intensive care, and 15 deaths.
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.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, the flu season typically circulates between December and April.
- All residents in Newfoundland and Labrador can receive the influenza vaccine at clinics coordinated by regional health authorities and family physicians.
- 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 can also visit the regional health authority 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:Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-4104
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca
2014 02 17 10:10 a.m.