This year, a single influenza shot will protect Islanders against three influenza strains including H1N1. Physicians’ offices, provincial health centres and public health offices across Prince Edward Island have now received their first shipment of influenza vaccine for this season, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“Vaccination is recognized as the single most effective way of reducing the impact of influenza, especially for those most at risk of complications,” said Minister Bertram.”I encourage all Islanders to get vaccinated, as this is our best defence against the spread of influenza virus.”
The influenza vaccine this year will contain two strains of Influenza A virus and one Influenza B virus. One of the A strains will be for the H1N1 strain which caused the worldwide outbreak of influenza last year.
“Immunity for those who received the H1N1 vaccine last year or early this year will have fallen considerably; therefore, everyone is advised to receive the influenza vaccine this year,” said Dr. Mitch Zelman, Deputy Chief Health Officer.
Although it is expected that H1N1 will be the most common strain of influenza circulating this year, the seasonal vaccine also provides protection for the other two influenza strains which are presently being seen in other countries.
While everyone over 6 months of age is encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine, the following persons are at highest risk of serious illness from influenza virus:
• Those with chronic heart or lung conditions
• Those with diabetes, cancer, kidney disease or illnesses which lower immunity to influenza
• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 4 years inclusive
• Adults 65 years of age and over
“Health care workers, childcare workers, and any other professionals who may be at risk for transmitting the virus to people in the high-risk category, are also encouraged to receive the vaccine,” says Dr. Mitch Zelman, Deputy Chief Health Officer.
The Department of Health and Wellness provides the vaccine to physicians’ offices, provincial health centres and public health offices free of charge; however, as in past years, a fee may be charged to cover the cost of administering the vaccine. The exception to this is children aged 6 months to 4 years (59 months) inclusive and pregnant women and those who live with them in the same house will not be subject to a fee at Public Health Nursing locations across the province.
Health centres and public health nursing offices across the province will provide the vaccine by appointment. Announcements will be made in the near future regarding dates and times at the various clinic locations.
For information on the seasonal vaccine or to book an appointment call your family physician or the health centre nearest you:
• Eastern Kings Health Centre (Souris) - 687-7033
• Montague Medical Centre - 838-0830
• Four Neighbourhoods Health Centre (Charlottetown) - 569-7772
• Central Queens Health Centre (Hunter River) - 621-3050
• Gulf Shore Health Centre (Rustico) - 963-7835
• Harbourside Health Centre (Summerside) - 432-2614
• Evangeline Health Centre (Wellington) - 854-7259
• Tyne Valley Health Centre - 831-5800
• O’Leary Health Centre - 859-3929
Public Health Nursing offices across the province are providing the vaccine free of charge to children aged 6 months to 4 years (59 months) inclusive and for pregnant women and those who live in the same house with a pregnant woman. If you are in one of these categories, please contact Public Health Nursing at one of the following locations to make an appointment:
• Alberton, O’Leary and Tignish - 859-8720
• Wellington - 854-7259
• Kensington and Summerside - 888-8160
• Charlottetown - 368-4530
• Montague - 838-0762
• Souris - 687-7049
The vaccine is also available free of charge for pregnant women at obstetrician offices in the province.