Doctors’ offices and health centre clinics on PEI have received their first shipment of influenza vaccine, Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet announced today.
“This year the vaccine will provide immunity against A/New Caledonia, A/Wisconsin and B/Malaysia flu viruses,” said Dr. Sweet. “As in past years, the Department of Health will provide the vaccine to doctors’ offices and family health centres free of charge, but there will be a fee to cover the cost of administering the vaccine,” he added.
It is recommended that those at highest risk of serious illness from influenza receive the vaccine. High risk groups include people over the age of 65; adults or children with chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or other chronic illness; residents of chronic care facilities; and healthy children between the ages of six months and 23 months. Health care workers are also encouraged to receive the vaccine for the benefit of their patients, their families, and themselves.
Health clinics across the province will provide the vaccine by appointment to those without a family physician. Announcements will be made in the near future regarding dates and times at the various clinic locations.