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Traffic steady for IH Flu Shot Clinic

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
November 2nd, 2017

Traffic was steady at the Nelson Health Centre (333 Victoria Ave) Wednesday for the Flu Shot Clinic as the public prepares for the flu season.

Interior Health is advising the public to protect individuals and those around the with a flu shot.

“Influenza, also known as “the flu”, is highly contagious and can cause severe complications for the very young, old and those with underlying health conditions,” IHA said.

“Getting ill with influenza can mean several missed days of school, work and other activities. Learn more about influenza.”

IH recommends to get a flu shot yearly because influenza viruses change from year to year.

“Each year the vaccine is updated to include the current viruses that are circulating. Generally, the influenza vaccine (flu shot) offers protection against two influenza A viruses (presently an H1N1 and an H3N2 virus) and one influenza B virus.”

This year’s vaccine offers protection from the following types of flu strains:

  • A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
  • A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus
  • B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus

This year, two additional vaccines are available for children. In addition to the strains above these vaccines also contain another B strain – for 2017 a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.

Flu shots are safe, effective, and provided free for:

  • People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts
  • People of any age in residential care facilities
  • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
  • Children & adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin/ ASA) and their household contacts.
  • Children & adults who are very obese
  • Aboriginal people
  • All children 6-59 months of age
  • Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children 0-59 months of age
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season and their household contacts
  • Visitors to hospitals, health centres and residential care facilities
  • People who work with live poultry
  • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications
  • Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (e.g., crew on ships)
  • People who provide essential community services (First Responders, Corrections Workers)
  • Inmates of provincial correctional institutions

People not eligible for free flu vaccine through the publicly-funded program should contact their physician, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic, travel clinic or private provider.

Here’s the BC’s Flu Clinic Locator for Nelson and Area.

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