Needles at ready for flu Shot clinics

It’s that time of year again; the annual procession to a quick jab and hopefully some protection from whatever nasty bugs lay in wait.

The main inoculation session is set for November 6 and 7 at the Civic Centre from 8:30 to 5:30 pm as well as at the Prince Rupert health unit on November 8 and 9 from 8:30 to 4 and again on November 10 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Those at most risk including the elderly, the very young and people with chronic health problems are all considered prime candidates for the flu shot, as well as long term health care residents and health providers and public protection officers.

The Daily news featured details of the upcoming clinics in Monday’s paper.


Vulnerable urged to get flu shot
Free doses of vaccine available for those most at risk of complications
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Monday, October 22, 2007

Pages one and three

Northern Health is urging all residents considered at-risk for influenza to get their free vaccination this season, starting Nov. 6 in Prince Rupert.

Every year, around 1,400 people die in British Columbia from influenza and pneumonia, which is a serious complication of influenza.

"Influenza is a serious health threat, especially for individuals in at-risk categories, such as the elderly," said Dr. David Bowering, chief medical health officer.

"A safe, effective vaccine is readily available. Getting it protects your well-being and could even save a life."

The very young, elderly and people with chronic health conditions are considered at-risk, as are residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant women in their third-trimester, health care workers, people working directly with live poultry or swine, and first responders such as police, firefighters and paramedics.

These at-risk individuals can become severely ill, suffer secondary illnesses like pneumonia, or many even die. Healthy younger people who get influenza usually miss a week or more of work or school and are vulnerable to other viruses and bacteria before they fully recover. Influenza symptoms include, fever, runny nose, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, and difficulty getting out of bed.

Beginning next week, public health nurses across the North will begin to provide vaccinations to those in at risk groups at no charge.

Drop-in clinics will be available on Nov. 6 and 7 at the Civic Centre from 8:30 a. m. to 5:30 p. m., and also at the Prince Rupert Health Unit on Nov. 8 and 9, beginning at 9 a. m. through 4 p. m., as well as on Nov. 10 from10 a. m. to 4 p.m.

Many physicians also provide influenza vaccinations to their at-risk patients, and some local pharmacies will also offer flu vaccinations to the general public on a charge basis.

The pneucoccal vaccine is available for certain individuals and helps protect against the most common complication of influenza, pneumonia.

Most people only need this vaccine once in their lifetime, whereas patients need to receive the flu vaccine every year due to different emerging strains. For those who need both, they are usually available at the same time.

Northern Health recommends careful hand-washing as one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness such as influenza.

The health authority says hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds will curb the spread of germs and bacteria, and should be exercised both before and after using the washroom and before eating or preparing food.

For more information on influenza and other health issues, residents can call the B. C. Nurseline toll-free at 1-866-215-4700, where nurses can provide confidential health information and advice any time, any day.