Every year about 1,400 people die in B.C. from influenza and pneumonia, a side complication of influenza.
Since influenza season peaks from December to March, this is the time of year to get the flu vaccine shots, especially those at risk due to age, chronic disease, workplaces or being a first responder like firefighter, police or ambulance attendant.
"Influenza is a serious health threat, especially for individuals in at-risk categories such as the elderly. But a safe, effective vaccine is readily available," said Dr. David Bowering, chief medical officer for Northern Health.
"It only makes sense to take advantage of this potentially life-saving protection at the onset of winter when we know full-well influenza will be circulating."
Flu shots are free to those 65 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities, those with chronic disease, children aged six to 23 months, child-care contacts of children up to 23 months, household contacts of someone who is at high risk, pregnant women in the third trimester during flu season, those with compromised cardio and respiratory systems, health-care workers and emergency personnel.
Studies show the flu vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective, with some experiencing side-effects like a sore arm, muscle aches and low fever. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective in the body.
Drop-in flu clinics in Prince George will be held at:
**Civic Centre Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
**Northern Interior Health Unit, 1444 Edmonton St., Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
**Senior's Activity Center, 425 Brunswick St., Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
**Elder Citizen Center, 1692 10th Ave., Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**Hart Pioneer Center, 6986 Hart Highway, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, please call 8-1-1 or 250-565-7488.
Many physicians also provide flu shots to at-risk patients, and some local pharmacies offer flu vaccination to the general public on a charge basis. Flu shots are needed annually due to different strains emerging each year.
