Publicly-funded seasonal influenza immunizations will be available to residents in the Sunrise Health Region beginning October 12, 2010.
This year's influenza season is expected to be a much more typical influenza year. However, as this is a post-pandemic year, the publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccine will be available free of charge through public health clinics and physicians to any individual wanting to receive it.Vaccination is especially recommended for individuals with a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza including:
Adults age 65 and overPersons with a chronic health condition including but not limited to diabetes, lung and heart disease, asthma, neurological conditions, cancer, renal disease and children on long-term aspirin therapyPregnant womenChildren aged 6 months to 4 years (under age 5)Persons with severe obesity
Individuals in close contact with high-risk groups are also recommended for immunization including those with infants less than 6 months of age or expecting a newborn before March 2011, child and daycare workers, community health and care providers, persons working with poultry or hogs, health region employees and volunteers and health science students.
The seasonal influenza vaccine for 2010-2011 includes three components, one of which protects against H1N1. "Vaccination is still recommended to people who received the H1N1 vaccination last year to ensure full protection this flu season," said Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, Medical Health Officer for the Sunrise Health Region.
Ways to help prevent the spread of influenza in addition to receiving the influenza immunization include washing hands often or using alcohol based hand sanitizers, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use tissues once only, clean surfaces often and stay home if you are ill.
Vaccines are also available for sale through third parties and private companies such as pharmacies and non-government nursing services. Individuals who choose to purchase their vaccine will not be reimbursed.
For information on flu clinics in the region check your local newspaper, the Sunrise Health Region website at www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca or contact the Public Health office at 786-0600.
