HEALTH: Flu clinics available next week in the Boundary

By Contributor

With flu season approaching, public health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up for the launch of this year’s influenza (flu) vaccination campaign that will begin the last week of October. Last year, close to 150,000 seasonal flu shots were provided free of charge to those at risk of complications from the flu.

 

“This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains, and includes the pandemic strain that we saw last year,” says Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health. “The two most important ways to protect yourself this flu season are to wash your hands frequently, and get your flu shot – especially if you are over 65, or have a chronic health condition.”

 

The flu is highly contagious and can cause severe complications for those with heart, lung, and other health problems. Even if you don’t become severely ill, getting the flu can mean several missed days of school, work, and other activities. Flu vaccinations are a proven, safe and effective way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and to lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get it.

 

Many physician offices also provide vaccines free to those who are eligible as well as the flu clinics listed below.

 

The flu shot is proven safe and effective and is free for:

 

• People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts;
• Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts;
• Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Acetylsalicylic acid and their household contacts;
•  Adults who are very obese;
•  Aboriginal people;
• Healthy children age 6-23 months;
• Household contacts and caregivers of infants age 0-23 months;
• Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts;
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities;
• Healthcare and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications;
• People who work with live poultry and/or swine;
• Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings that house high risk persons (e.g., crew on ships.)

 

While flu shots are free for those 65 and older and those at risk, anyone can benefit from a flu shot. It is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy children and adults. 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.

 

Boundary clinics:

 

Midway

Midway Fire Hall

Midway

(250) 449-2887

29-Oct-10

9:00 AM

4:00 PM

Drop-In

 

Beaverdell

Beaverdell Skating Rink

(250) 449-2887

1-Nov-10

9:00 AM

12:30 PM

Drop-In

Christina Lake

Christina Lake Hall

90 Park Ave.

(250) 443-3150

27-Oct-10

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Drop-In

Grand Forks

Grand Forks Senior Citizen's Hall

565 71st Avenue

(250) 443-3150

3-Nov-10

9:00 AM

4:00 PM

Drop-In

Grand Forks	Grand Forks Senior Citizen's Hall	565 71st Avenue	(250) 443-3150	4-Nov-10	9:00 AM	4:00 PM	Drop-In
Grand Forks	GFSS Multipurpose Room	1331 Central Avenue	(250) 443-3150	8-Nov-10	4:00 PM	7:00 PM	Drop-In
Greenwood	MacArthur Centre	346 South Copper Street	(250) 449-2887	28-Oct-10	9:00 AM	12:00 AM	Drop-In

 

For more information contact your local Public Health office (look under Interior Health in the blue pages of your phone book) or visit our website at www.interiorhealth.ca. Information is also available on the Immunize BC website at www.immunizebc.ca, or on HealthLink BC at www.healthlinkbc.ca. You can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak to a healthcare professional.