It’s safe. For many people it’s free, and it can save your life — or at least prevent a week of misery.
It’s the flu shot and with the flu season about to arrive, public health officials are urging all those considered vulnerable or at risk — include those 65 and older and aboriginal people — to become vaccinated.
“It’s an extremely safe vaccine and for those who qualify, it’s free,” said Dr. Dee Hoyano, medical health officer for Island Health. “So, for me, it seems like a pretty good bargain.”
Doctors and pharmacies provide free flu shots for those who qualify (see a list below). Beginning in November, Island Health Public Health Units will also host free immunization clinics.
Flu season typically runs from mid-November to April. On average, influenza kills 3,500 people in Canada every year. In B.C., flu fatalities typically amount to 600 to 800. Most victims fall into a category doctors describe as “vulnerable” — either very old or those with a chronic illness.
Influenza can also put a serious strain on public hospitals. About 12,200 Canadians are sent to hospital every year with flu.
Even when the flu doesn’t lead to hospitalization, it can put an otherwise healthy individual out of action or off work for a week or longer, Hoyano said.
So with pharmacies offering flu shots for about $20, it’s a good bargain. “It’s kind of like a form of insurance,” she said.
Flu shots are made to ward off the most prevalent strains of virus that have been present in recent years. This year’s adult vaccine will target three strains, while the one for children will target four strains.
The flu shot is not guaranteed protection, Hoyano said. On average, the vaccine offers protection ranging from 40 to 70 per cent effective.
“That’s pretty good odds for avoiding some serious complication,” Hoyano said. “That’s especially true if you are somebody with a health condition or are at an age where getting influenza can make you seriously ill.”
For information about Island Health Public Health flu clinics, go to islandfluclinics.ca.
For information about the flu vaccine, go to immunizebc.ca.
Who can get free flu shots
The following qualify for free flu shots:
• People 65 or older and their caregivers
• Anyone with chronic health conditions and members of their household
• Health-care workers
• Emergency responders
• Healthy children between the ages of six months and five years
• People who live with children under 5
• Pregnant women
• Owners, operators of poultry farms
• First Nations
• People who are severely obese
• Corrections officers and inmates in provincial jails
• Those who work in potential outbreak settings with high-risk people (for example, on cruise ships)
• Visitors to health-care facilities such as nursing homes
