|
October 8, 2009
VICTORIA – The Vancouver Island Health Authority is scheduling flu shot clinics at Health Units and other locations across the region beginning Tuesday, October 13th to provide publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccine to people aged 65 years and older, and individuals who reside in long-term care facilities.
"Seniors are at lower risk of contracting the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, but are still the highest risk group for complications from seasonal influenza, " said VIHA Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick. "Historically, this group has accounted for about half the immunizations provided by our public health staff, and our aim this year is to complete this initial phase of immunization clinics within four weeks."
Once the H1N1 flu vaccine arrives in mid-November (or possibly earlier), anyone who needs and wants to get it will be able to receive a dose of the vaccine before Christmas.
Following delivery of the H1N1 vaccine, the seasonal influenza vaccine will be available for anyone who did not receive it in the fall and for whom it is recommended.
To find out about when and where you can get a seasonal flu vaccine, and for the latest information on H1N1, visit the VIHA web site at: www.viha.ca/flu. To find the clinic nearest you, simply visit the Flu Locator at www.immunizebc.ca.
For more information, visit HealthLink BC at www.healthlinkbc.ca or call 8-1-1.
-30-
Media contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250-370-8270 |
|