Even though only between five and 10 per cent of the population will get influenza this year and the immunization is only about 60 per cent effective in an average flu season, Northern Health representatives still think it's a good idea to get the shot.
"To be 60 per cent less likely to get sick is still, I think, quite worthwhile," Dr. Andrew Gray, Northern Health Northern Interior Health officer, said.
He said the vaccine may also diminish symptoms if a person does get sick despite getting the shot.
The immunization is considered important especially to protect those vulnerable people in the general population. It is believed to be the best protection against influenza and the complications that come with it kills about 1,400 people in B.C. each year, Gray said.
There are two different kinds of vaccinations but those do not protect against the stomach flu or the common cold, which are different illnesses than influenza.
The most common vaccination is the inactivated influenza vaccine, while others who are more vulnerable need the live attenuated influenza vaccine and for those who are 65 and older and living in residential care facilities it is also recommended to take the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Flu clinics have already started within the Northern Health Authority in Terrace and Prince George, and pharmacists and other medical professionals offer the service of immunization as well, Patricia Strim, regional nursing lead, public health regional communicable diseases, said.
"Flu shots are available for free to a wide range of people who are either at high risk of serious illness from influenza or to spread influenza to someone in a high risk group," Strim said.
This means the flu shot is free to all children six months to five years of age, people 65 and older and adults, including pregnant women, and children with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems. The vaccine is also free for anyone who lives or works with a person at high risk to have problems with the flu and those who provide essential community services like firefighters, police officers and ambulance attendants, Strim added.
"There are things we can and should do to avoid the flu and to protect the people around you," Strim said. "Get your flu shot, practice frequent and proper hand hygiene, good cough etiquette, and stay home if you're sick to help stop the spread of flu to others."
To find out where to get your flu shot visit northernhealth.ca or HealthLinkBC or immunizebc.ca.
