Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is encouraging the public to “make prevention contagious” by getting vaccinated for the flu this season.
Influenza is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for the very young, old and those with underlying health conditions. Approximately 2,000 to 8,000 people die every year across Canada from complications due to the flu and pneumonia, and 90% of those who die are seniors.
Seniors can catch the flu from their family members and care providers. All seniors should be vaccinated. It is also important that caregivers, and anyone who lives with seniors, get vaccinated so that they don’t pass the flu on to them.
Young children are also among those affected by complications. For the first time in B.C., flu shots are free for all children from six months to 59 months (under five years); previously the vaccine was free for children under two years. The flu shot is also free for: people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with chronic health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems.
Also new this year, Vancouver Coastal Health is the only health authority in B.C. to pilot FluMist, a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. Children and youth 2-17 years old who are eligible for a free flu shot can choose the traditional vaccine with a needle or the FluMist, which is available on a first come, first served basis at physicians’ offices and public health clinics.
VCH clinics, both for staff and the public, are going ahead as scheduled. As of October 31, Health Canada cleared the use of both Novartis vaccines. Seniors can now be vaccinated with Fluad vaccine. Anyone with an allergy to thimerosal can now be vaccinated with Agriflu. Staff and the public over 6 months will continue to be vaccinated with Vaxigrip.
Flu viruses change from year to year, and so every year the vaccine is updated to include the current viruses in circulation. This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains: H1N1, H3N2, and B Yamagata lineage.
The vaccine works by developing antibodies within two weeks of getting the shot. These antibodies protect against influenza viruses circulating around the community. Since the flu shot contains inactivated virus, it can’t make you sick. The most likely side-effect of the flu shot is a sore arm. The flu spray, FluMist, contains weakened influenza virus and its most common side effect is a runny nose.
Flu vaccinations are available at special flu clinics, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, and at the VCH Travel Clinic. The public can find out where clinics are at www.vch.ca. Staff flu clinics are also still underway and times and locations can be viewed on the VCH website as well.