The flu shots have arrived and Islanders are strongly encouraged to take part in the expanded immunization program this year, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
Public health nursing offices, provincial health centres and physicians’ offices across Prince Edward Island will be receiving their first shipment of influenza vaccine this week and are in the process of setting up vaccine clinics for this season.
“This year we are offering free immunization clinics to all Islanders 65 years of age and over, with clinics running from mid-October to mid-November,” said Minister Currie. “Seniors are a high risk group for catching the flu and this new program will help protect them and reduce the pressure on our Island health care system.”
“The influenza vaccine provides the best protection against flu viruses every year. All residents, especially those considered at high risk of complications or those at risk of spreading influenza to others at high risk, are encouraged to get the vaccine,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison.
The World Health Organization (WHO) determines the three most likely influenza virus strains to be circulating in the upcoming flu season. The vaccine is then manufactured to protect against these strains. This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) provides protection against Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2), and Influenza B, which are presently being seen in other countries.
While everyone over six months of age is encouraged to receive the flu shot, the following people are at highest risk of serious illness from influenza virus:
• Children aged six months to 59 months of age
• Pregnant women
• Those with chronic health conditions, such as heart and lung conditions, diabetes or cancer
• Adults 65 years of age and over
The following groups are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine as they play an important role in protecting our most vulnerable population:
• Household contacts of the above groups
• 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
The Department of Health and Wellness provides the vaccine to physicians’ offices, provincial health centres, long-term care facilities, hospitals and public health nursing offices free of charge. This year there will be no administrative fee charged at the free seniors clinics happening in communities across the province.
In addition, any child aged six to 59 months, as well as pregnant women and household contacts of pregnant women, will be able to receive the flu shot free of charge at public health nursing offices across Prince Edward Island. The vaccine is also available free of charge for pregnant women at obstetrician offices in the province.
If you are aged 65 or over, a pregnant woman or if you have children aged six to 59 months, you can call one of the Health PEI public health nursing offices across the province to book an appointment.
All others are encouraged to get the flu shot at the nearest provincial health centre or their physician’s office. As in past years, there may be a fee charged to cover the cost of administering the vaccine.
For more information on influenza, the influenza vaccine or clinic locations, visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu.
BACKGROUND
Contact Information for Public Health Nursing Offices:
• West Prince - 859-8720
• East Prince - 888-8160
• Charlottetown - 368-4530
• Montague - 838-0762
• Souris - 687-7049
Contact Information for Health Centres:
• Eastern Kings Health Centre (Souris) - 687-7033
• Montague Medical Centre - 838-0830
• Four Neighborhoods Health Centre (Charlottetown) - 569-7772
• Central Queens Health Centre (Hunter River) - Watch for local clinic dates
• Gulf Shore Health Centre (Rustic) - Watch for local clinic dates
• Harbourside Health Centre (Summerside) - 432-2600
• Evangeline Health Centre (Wellington) - 854-7259
• Tyne Valley Health Centre - 831-5800
• O’Leary Health Centre - 859-3929
• Alberton Health Services - 853-0403
• Kensington Health Centre - 836-0180
Quick Facts about the flu shot:
• After vaccination, the body’s immune system produces antibodies which then prevent infection, or reduce the likelihood of severe illness should infection occur.
• Think the flu vaccine can give you the flu? It can’t. There may be mild symptoms of influenza, but the viral component of the vaccine is dead so it cannot multiply.
• Generally it takes two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for the body to develop immunity to the influenza virus.
• Stuck on the fact that you need to get vaccinated every year? There’s a good reason. Flu viruses change, so flu vaccines must change too. Each year’s vaccine is unique, cultivated from the flu strains health officials believe will be most menacing that year.
The Flu Shot
Why get the influenza (flu) shot?
Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia. The flu shot is safe and it’s the most effective way to protect you and your family from the flu. Studies have found that the flu shot can prevent up to 90% of influenza in healthy adults and children.
What is the flu shot?
The World Health Organization (WHO) determines the three most likely flu virus strains to be circulating in the upcoming flu season. The vaccine is then manufactured to protect against these strains. Because the flu shot contains particles of inactivated (dead) flu virus, you cannot get influenza from the flu shot.
How does it work?
The flu shot strengthens your immune system against three flu viruses circulating in the community. It does this by stimulating your immune system to build up antibodies against the viruses, making it stronger so that it’s ready to fight off the illness before it starts.
Why should I get it early in the season?
Getting your flu shot early in the season lets your immune system build up antibodies sooner, so it’s ready when flu season starts. It can take up to 2 weeks for antibodies to build up after you get the shot.
Who should get it?
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It’s especially important for:
• People with weakened immune systems
• Young children
• Pregnant women
• Those 65 and over
• Anyone who takes care of people in these groups
What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effect from a flu shot is soreness at the injection site. It is usually temporary and rarely interferes with normal activities.
For more information about the flu shot visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu