One shot could save your life when it comes to the flu, says Richmond’s chief medical health officer.
“For healthy people, having the flu means a few days of feeling miserable, but for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to a severe illness involving a hospital stay, or even death,” said Meena Dawar, Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH) medical health officer.
“The flu shot is the best way to not only protect yourself, but also the higher-risk people around you.”
For Ann Mackie, a retired family therapist, the reason she gets her flu shot every year is…all of the above.
From her weekly bridge game friends, to her four young grandkids, she wants to protect everyone.
“I get the flu shot every year because, as a 76-year-old, I believe it might save my life,” said Mackie.
“And it’s really important to me that I don’t bring the flu to those close to me. I understand that this could be a particularly nasty flu bug this year.”
Every year across Canada, approximately 3,500 people die from complications due to the flu and pneumonia, and the majority are seniors. Currently, flu activity is at expected levels across B.C. for this time of year, and is mostly the A(H3N2) flu strain.
While there was a severe flu season last year, experts say it’s too early to predict how severe this winter’s flu season will be.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone and are free in B.C. for pregnant women, all children aged from six months to five years, people 65 years and older, Aboriginal people, and those with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.
The vaccine is also free for anyone who lives or works with a person who is at higher risk of problems from the flu.
Children aged two to 17 years of age will have two options: The standard vaccine by needle (flu shot) or FluMist, the nasal spray vaccine. Both vaccines are effective and parents and caregivers can choose which vaccine to offer their child.
To protect patients in health care facilities, all B.C. health authorities require that doctors, staff, students and volunteers get immunized or wear a mask during the flu season.
People planning to visit loved ones in a health care facility or who will take family members to appointments are also eligible for a free flu shot.
To further protect patients, unvaccinated visitors to VCH facilities are asked to wear a mask, beginning Dec. 1. Masks will be available at nursing stations and/or outpatient reception desks.
To find out where you can get a flu vaccination, go online to VCH.ca/Flu or ImmunizeBC.ca.
